Assessment of myocardial performance index in late-onset fetal growth restriction

The aim of this study is to determine whether the myocardial performance index (MPI) is increased in fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses and if increased MPI is related to adverse outcomes of FGR. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Seventy-three late-onset FGR fetuses and 97 gestational-age matched control fetuses were enrolled in this study. Fetal blood flow parameters including MPI values were measured and compared between the two groups. For the effect of severity of growth restriction on MPI value, they were also compared with < 3(rd) and 3(rd) – 10(th) centile groups. FGR fetuses were divided into two groups by favorable and adverse outcome and ultrasound parameters were compared between these two groups. Moreover, significant factors related to adverse outcomes by univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Pulsatility index of umbilical arterial flow (UA-PI), MPI and amniotic fluid index in the FGR were significantly different from the control fetuses. However, no significant difference between < 3(rd) and 3(rd) – 10(th) centile groups was detected in MPI and UA-PI. The increased levels of MPI and UA-PI were independently related with adverse outcome of late-onset FGR pregnancy. In conclusion, MPI values were increased in late-onset FGR pregnancy, and the higher level of MPI could predict adverse outcome as well as the measurement of UA-PI. Clinicians should consider cardiac dysfunction in FGR through increased MPI.