Nicholas et al defined intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as “<10% on fetal growth curves, as well as a deviation from the individual fetal growth curve, as established for each fetus by serial ultrasounds. The fetus had to meet both criteria to be classified as IUGR.” The authors further state, “overall our method of predicting IUGR in gastroschisis was reliable.” In their study, 34% of the fetuses with gastroschisis were prenatally diagnosed with IUGR, and 75% of those fetuses were confirmed to have IUGR based on their birth weight.

Since the authors did not rely on the traditional diagnosis of IUGR as <10%, how much deviation was required from the individual fetal growth curve before the diagnosis of IUGR was made?

What was the average gestational age for delivery of the fetuses with gastroschisis?

For the 66% of fetuses with gastroschisis who did not have prenatally diagnosed IUGR, what percentage of those fetuses were diagnosed with IUGR at birth?

Given the possibility of underdiagnosing IUGR in fetuses with gastroschisis, the increased perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with gastroschisis and IUGR, do the authors recommend an optimal gestational age for delivery?