What Causes Brain Sparing

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is most commonly caused by placental insufficiency, in response to which the fetus adapts its circulation to preserve oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain (‘brain-sparing’).

What happens during head sparing?

Foetal cerebral redistribution or ‘brain-sparing’ is a diagnosis in foetal medicine. It is characterised by preferential flow of blood towards the brain at the expense of the other vital organs, and it occurs as a haemodynamic adaptation in foetuses which have placental insufficiency.

Can IUGR cause brain damage?

Brain injury in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) infants is a major contributing factor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Adverse outcomes range from mild learning difficulties, to attention difficulties, neurobehavioral issues, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other cognitive and psychiatric disorders.