Three dimensional ultrasound assessment of fetal growth

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of 3Dimensional ultrasound [3DUS] brain volume, thigh volume and the ratio between together with 2 dimensional Ultrasound [2DUS] parameters in the assessment of fetal growth in high risk groups, namely preeclampsia and diabetes and its relation to neonatal outcome. Prospective controlled trial. Obstetric emergency tin it in Kasr Al Eini hospital, Cairo University Hospitals. Pregnant patients between 37-40 weeks gestation within 72 hours of delivery with one group as low risk control group, second group as preeclamptic pregnant patients and a third group as diabetic pregnant patients. All patients had conventional 2DUS for fetal biometry Amniotic Fluid Index [AFI], placental grading and 3DUS for fetal brain volume, thigh volume, calculating ratio between. Neonatal parameters after delivery are collected in the form of birth weight. Apgar score at five minutes and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] admissions. 2DUS parameters and 3DUS fetal volume, thigh volume and ratio, neonatal parameters in preeclamptic and diabetic groups in comparison to controls. In comparison between the preeclampsia group and the controls, thigh volume is significant to differentiate between both groups. A strongly positive correlation was found between thigh volume with neonatal birth weight and Apgar score 5 min in preeclamptic patients. A strongly Negative correlation was found between 3DUS Thigh volume with NICU admissions in preeclamptic patients. When comparing the diabetic group to the controls, 3DUS parameters are all insignificant in differentiating both groups. Fetal thigh volume can diagnose foetal growth restrict and can predict babies with high risk of NICU admissions alter delivery. However a Randomised controlled trial is needed with larger number of patients