Correlation of weight estimation in large and small fetuses with three-dimensional ultrasonographic volume measurements of the fetal upper-arm and thigh: A preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of measuring fetal upper-arm and thigh volume using three-dimensional ultrasonography with weight estimation in large and small fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors included 46 pregnant women admitted for delivery in the Labor Room at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, between February 1 and September 30, 2004. Inclusion criteria were 1) singleton pregnancy; 2) delivery within 48 hours after study; 3) estimation birthweight < 2,500 g (small fetuses group n = 22) or > 3,500 g (large fetus group n = 24). All patients received two- and three-dimensional ultrasound examinations by an experienced practitioner The upper-arm and thigh volume were assessed using a three-dimensional ultrasound scanner. RESULTS: In the large fetus group, upper-arm and thigh volume measurements by three-dimensional ultrasound strongly correlated with birthweight, r = 0.805 (95%CI = 0.594-0.912) and r = 0. 739 (95%CI = 0.478-0.880), respectively. In the small fetuses group, the upper-arm and thigh volume measurements, by three-dimensional ultrasound, strongly correlated with birthweight, r = 0.868 (95%CI = 0.689-0.946) and r = 0.835 (95%CI = 0.638-0.929), respectively. CONCLUSION: Upper-arm and thigh volumes measured by three-dimensional ultrasound highly correlates with weight estimation in large and small fetuses and can be used as a new modality for estimating fetal weight.