Macrosomia and fetal growth restriction: evidence for similar extrauterine metabolic risks but with differences in pathophysiology

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate and compare the causes of macrosomia and FGR fetuses, their ultrasound characteristics and the importance of their similar metabolic profile in intrauterine and extrauterine life. Materials and methods: We searched Pubmed/Google Scholar database up until 15 December 2020 using keywords. Out of the 70 matching results we selected 50 most representative and matching papers. Results: We found similar causes and metabolic profiles and in both conditions offspring are at increased risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in the extrauterine life. Conclusion: Despite similarities of the maternal factors and fetal metabolic profile it is still unknown which of them has worse metabolic status during intrauterine and extrauterine life. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.