Fetal cardiovascular programming in intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction, with a prevalence of 5-10% in newborns, is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. This work describes how intrauterine growth restriction induces primary cardiac dysfunction and remodelling in utero that persists postnatally which could explain the increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease in adult life. This opens new opportunities for cardiovascular monitoring and intervention in newborns and children affected with this condition.

Autorentext

Dr. Fàtima Crispi obtained her Ph.D. in Medicine from theUniversity of Barcelona in 2009. She works in the Department ofMaternal-Fetal Medicine in Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.Member of the Fetal and Perinatal Medicine Research Group, hermajor field of study is cardiovascular function in intrauterinegrowth restriction and preeclampsia.