A recent study by BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, in collaboration with UPF, has highlighted significant findings on how restricted fetal growth affects lung development, potentially impacting respiratory health throughout life. Led by principal researchers Dr. Fátima Crispi and Dr. Bart Bijnens, this groundbreaking research revealed that fetuses with growth restrictions exhibit altered lung vascular resistance, a discovery that could pave the way for future therapies to improve lung function in such cases. The study, published in Scientific Reports (Nature), involved analyzing blood flow in the lungs of 208 pregnant women’s fetuses at 24 to 37 weeks of gestation. Of these, 97 fetuses had restricted growth and low birth weight, while 111 grew normally. Using Doppler ultrasound and computer models, researchers measured blood velocity and estimated lung resistance. Under normal and hyperoxygenation conditions (extra oxygen provided to mothers via facemask), it was observed that oxygen improved blood flow specifically in growth-restricted fetuses, while having no effect on those with normal growth. To analyze the data, machine learning was used to categorize blood flow patterns, revealing differences between the groups and how increased oxygen reduced lung resistance in growth-restricted fetuses, potentially normalizing blood flow. This technique, which combines AI with simulation models, has shown that oxygen could serve as a simple, effective intervention to enhance lung development in fetuses facing growth limitations. Dr. Crispi notes that these findings could lead to therapeutic strategies targeting lung function in these vulnerable fetuses, reducing the risk of respiratory complications in infancy and beyond. With contributions from multiple research teams, this study underscores the potential for improved prenatal interventions that address long-term respiratory health concerns for at-risk infants, marking a critical step forward in fetal medicine.
Ultrasound Reveals Lung Vascular Differences in Growth-Restricted Fetuses
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