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A 32-year-old G1 is seeing you in consultation at 35 weeks gestation. Ultrasound reveals limited fetal growth over the past three weeks. Biometry is consistent with 30-5/7, EFW 1900 g, less than 10th percentile. You counsel her about short and long-term complications for her baby. This fetus is at increased risk for all of the following adult disorders EXCEPT:

1) Cardiovascular disease
2) Chronic hypertension
3) Chronic obstructive lung disease
4) Diabetes
5) Osteoporosis

User Bknights
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Final answer:

A fetus with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is at increased risk for various adult disorders, namely cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes; however, it is not at an increased risk for chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), which is influenced more by postnatal environmental factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 32-year-old woman at 35 weeks gestation with a fetus showing limited growth over the past three weeks, with biometry consistent with 30-5/7 weeks and an estimated fetal weight of 1900 g, is concerned about potential long-term complications for her baby. Given that the fetus is less than the 10th percentile for weight, this scenario is indicative of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is associated with an increased risk for several adult disorders. However, recognizing which adult disorder the fetus is not at increased risk for is crucial for proper counseling.

Children who were small for gestational age have been found to have an increased risk of several conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic hypertension, and diabetes. These conditions are linked to the concept of fetal programming, which posits that the environment in utero can impact long-term health outcomes. Yet, one of the listed conditions, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), is primarily related to environmental factors post-birth, such as smoking, and not directly to low birth weight or IUGR. Therefore, this fetus is at increased risk for all adult disorders listed except for chronic obstructive lung disease.

While osteoporosis has also been associated with low birth weight, the relationship is less direct compared with the other listed conditions and tends to be influenced by later lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.

User Lpa
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