International study shows brain impact of FGR
By Rob Clancy, staff writer. Reviewed by Dr Tegan White
The dangers to the unborn child caused by Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) are becoming better understood and now, researchers at Hudson Institute have identified specifically how it impacts brain development.
FGR is a common pregnancy complication where an unborn baby is smaller than expected for the stage of pregnancy. More than one in seven Australian babies – around 20,000 each year – are born growth-restricted.
Now Dr Tegan White has led a study providing the first evidence of the cellular basis for significant brain deficits observed in FGR infants.
Dr White used a pre-clinical model to identify reduced hippocampal brain volume in FGR-affected individuals, but she went further, establishing reduced memory function as well.
FGR affects critical region of the brain
“The hippocampus is a critical brain region for learning and memory, key cognitive tasks, and understanding how the neurons in this region are impacted will guide potential neuroprotective therapies,” she said.
Her findings were confirmed when she collaborated with Professor Steven Miller, a clinician scientist from University of Toronto and University of British Columbia, Canada, who researches the clinical care of newborns at high-risk of brain injury.
Prof Miller provided evidence from MRI scans of a cohort of FGR babies which correlated closely with Dr White’s findings.
Dr White says FGR is a complex and challenging pregnancy complication and consistent research is required to improve understanding of it.
Still more to discover about FGR
“The rate of human brain growth is greatest in mid-to-late pregnancy, but in pregnancies complicated by FGR caused by placental dysfunction, brain development is adversely impacted, however the cellular basis for this maldevelopment is unknown.”
“What we have shown is that individuals impacted by FGR tend to have reduced length and complexity of neurons, and even after birth, their brain development appears to be slower than those whose gestation was uncompromised.
“This translates, among other things, to reduced capacity for complex memory tasks,” Dr White said.
FGR Facts
- There are at least two main forms of FGR: Symmetrical FGR (all parts of the body are a similar small size) and Asymmetrical FGR (head and brain are normal size, but the rest of the body is small).
- FGR can begin at any time during pregnancy, and the effects depend on how early and how severely growth is restricted.
- Regular prenatal care and early detection are vital for improving outcomes.
- The most common cause of FGR is a problem with the placenta – the organ that delivers nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby during pregnancy.
- When the placenta doesn’t work properly, the baby receives less oxygen and fewer nutrients, leading to slower growth.
- Reduced oxygen can cause inflammation and cell damage (known as oxidative stress), which may harm the developing brain before birth.
- The largest risk factor – placental insufficiency – cannot be prevented. However, certain maternal factors can increase the likelihood of FGR
- Pregnant women can help lower the risk of FGR by avoiding smoking, drugs and alcohol
- Eating a healthy balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
Collaborators | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University - Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Auckland - Monash Women’s, Monash Health - Department of Paediatrics, Monash University - Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital - Neurosciences and Mental Health and Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto - Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Journal | Brain
Title | Hippocampal growth and function are reduced in the newborn following fetal growth restriction
View publication | https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awag061
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