Asian Journal of Pediatric Research

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) may be associated with differences in neonatal brain structure and cerebral haemodynamics. This study compared cranial ultrasound findings, cerebellar measurements and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices in term neonates with FGR and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls.

Methods: A single-centre, hospital-based comparative observational study included 194 term neonates, comprising 97 with FGR and 97 AGA controls, at Shri Shishu Bhawan Hospital for Children and Newborn, Bilaspur, India. Cranial ultrasound examinations were performed during the first week of life. Structural findings, cerebellar dimensions and MCA Doppler indices were compared between groups.

Results: Subependymal cysts were recorded in 12 of 97 neonates with FGR (12.4%) and none of the 97 controls. Mean cerebellar vermis size was 2.09 ± 0.251 mm in the FGR group and 2.30 ± 0.275 mm in controls. Mean transverse cerebellar diameter was 44.8 ± 3.95 mm and 47.9 ± 3.71 mm, respectively. MCA end-diastolic velocity was lower in the FGR group (15.7 ± 4.82 versus 24.8 ± 4.42), whereas the MCA resistive index was higher (0.82 ± 0.053 versus 0.72 ± 0.047). No statistically significant between-group difference was reported for MCA peak systolic velocity or pulsatility index.

Conclusion: Among the term neonates studied, FGR was associated with smaller measured cerebellar dimensions and differences in selected postnatal MCA Doppler indices. The single-centre observational design does not establish causation or longer-term clinical significance.