Biometry and Doppler assessment of blood flow was assessed using ultrasound in 28 fetuses with IUGR and 47 appropriately grown control subjects. MRI was used to exclude overt brain injury. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the fetal brain was then performed at an echo time of 42 ms to examine the Myo-ins:Choline (Cho), Myo-ins:Creatine (Cr) and Cho:Cr ratios.
No alterations in brain Myo-ins:Cho, Myo-ins:Cr or Cho:Cr ratios were detected between appropriately grown and growth restricted fetuses.
IUGR is not associated with a measureable difference in brain myo-inositol ratios. This may be due to the protective effects of preserved cerebral blood flow in growth restriction and comparable astrocyte numbers when compared to controls.