Research: Prediction of Perinatal Outcomes in Diabetic Pregnancies: The Role of Customised GROW Growth Charts and Fetal Growth Dynamics
- Education and Training
I graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Sapienza University of Rome in 2019. During medical school I participated in an international exchange programme and spent two months in New York for clinical training at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. I subsequently completed my specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the same university, obtaining my specialist qualification in January 2026. During my residency I developed a particular interest in maternal–fetal medicine and in clinical work in the labour ward, especially intrapartum monitoring and the management of complex obstetric situations. As part of my training, I also spent a period abroad at the Royal London Hospital (Barts Health NHS Trust), where I was involved in clinical and research activities related to fetal medicine and pregnancy monitoring. I am currently a PhD candidate at Sapienza University of Rome.
- Work Experience
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During my specialist training I worked at Policlinico Umberto I in Rome and across several hospitals within the training network, including San Camillo, Sant’Eugenio, IFO and Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Latina. My clinical work took place in labour wards, inpatient wards, obstetric and gynaecology emergency services, outpatient clinics and operating theatres. I was also involved in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery services and in the termination of pregnancy service. Clinical activity included the assessment and management of obstetric and gynaecology patients under supervision. During this time I developed an interest in intrapartum monitoring and cardiotocography interpretation. Throughout training I participated in common obstetric and gynaecological surgical procedures and in the management of emergency situations. I also spent a period at the Royal London Hospital (Barts Health NHS Trust), where I was involved in clinical and research activity within the fetal medicine team. During this period in the UK I attended multidisciplinary clinical meetings and audit sessions. I have also been involved in clinical teaching activities for medical students and junior doctors both in Italy and in the United Kingdom.
- SKILLS
During my specialist training I developed clinical skills in the management of common obstetric and gynaecological conditions across different clinical settings. I gained experience in intrapartum monitoring and cardiotocography interpretation, as well as in basic obstetric ultrasound and fetal growth assessment during antenatal follow-up. I also took part in outpatient gynaecology clinics, assessing common gynaecological conditions and menstrual disorders, and had clinical exposure to reproductive medicine through training at the assisted reproduction unit of Policlinico Umberto I. During residency I also gained experience in basic obstetric and gynaecological surgery, including minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, with participation in colposcopy, diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy and other procedures under supervision. Alongside clinical work I gained experience in clinical research, audit activities and the management of clinical datasets used for obstetric and perinatal studies, including within international collaborations.
- RESEARCH PROJECT
The PhD project investigates fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and its relationship with obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The study is conducted at the Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, and includes all major forms of diabetes in pregnancy: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.
The study is designed as an observational cohort with both retrospective and prospective data collection. Participants undergo serial third-trimester ultrasound examinations at 28, 32, 36 and 38–39 weeks of gestation. Estimated fetal weight is plotted on both customised GROW charts and standard Hadlock population-based charts.
In addition to cross-sectional centile assessment, fetal growth dynamics during the third trimester are analysed. Growth velocity is expressed as the change in centile per week (Δ-centile/week) between consecutive scans, allowing classification of growth patterns as stable, accelerated or decelerated.
Inclusion criteria include singleton pregnancies with diagnosed diabetes and at least two third-trimester ultrasound examinations available for growth velocity assessment. Multiple pregnancies, major fetal anomalies and maternal conditions likely to affect fetal growth independently of diabetes are excluded.
The primary outcome is a composite neonatal outcome including neonatal intensive care unit admission, treated neonatal hypoglycaemia, umbilical cord acidosis, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes or perinatal death. Secondary outcomes include small or large for gestational age at birth, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, emergency caesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage and iatrogenic preterm birth.
Statistical analysis evaluates the association between fetal growth parameters and perinatal outcomes using multivariable logistic regression models and ROC curve analysis. The aim of the project is to clarify the role of customised growth charts and fetal growth dynamics in identifying diabetic pregnancies at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
-MOBILITY
During my training I undertook periods of international mobility involving both clinical and research activities. In particular, I spent a period at the Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust (London, United Kingdom), collaborating with the maternal-fetal medicine team and contributing to clinical and research activities in the field of obstetrics. This experience contributed to the development of a scientific collaboration that is also connected with the current PhD research project. As part of this experience I also contributed to the BEGOTTEN observational study, supporting patient recruitment and ultrasound data collection.
During medical school I also took part in an international exchange programme at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (New York, United States), where I completed a clinical attachment with involvement in clinical and surgical activities across different specialties.
- CLINICAL TRIAL
At present, no patents filed and no involvement in registered clinical trials.
- PUBLICATIONS AND ABSTRACTS
- Iaculli F., Shah D., Kage A., Wertheim D., Rizzo G., Giancotti A., Pereira S. Beyond cord pH: constitutional deviation as a marker of cumulative metabolic burden in perinatal asphyxia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Neonatal Society Spring Meeting, 19 March 2026.
- Greco E., Iaculli F. Prenatal diagnosis of oesophageal atresia. In: Misra D. (ed.), Textbook of Oesophageal Atresia. Springer Nature. Forthcoming, expected publication July 2026.
- Mattei, G.; Iaculli, F.; Carbone, F.; Mondo, A.; Muzii, L. Optimizing Reproductive Options for Young Women with Cervical Cancer. Reprod. Med. 2024, 5, 263-279. https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed5040023
- Galli V, Golia D'Augè T, DI Pierro F, Cazzaniga M, Guasti L, Zerbinati N, Bertuccioli A, Khan A, D'Ovidio G, Iaculli F, Tibaldi V, Santangelo G, Fischetti M, Casorelli AF, DI Donato V, Giannini A, Musella A, Giancotti A, Monti M. Safety and efficacy of a class II medical device based on highly purified and standardized plant extracts in the management of post-menopausal patients with vulvar and vaginal atrophy: a single-center prospective observational study. Minerva Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Aug;76(4):343-352. doi: 10.23736/S2724-606X.23.05409-X. Epub 2024 Feb 15. PMID: 38358384.
- Ruolo dell’ecografia nella minaccia di parto pretermine - forthcoming (book chapter in: Manuale di Ecografia per Ostetriche, SIEOG)