A comparison of serial ultrasound measurements of fetal adrenal glands with maternal plasma and saliva oestriol and progesterone levels in normal pregnancy

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of making measurements of fetal adrenal glands using ultrasound and to determine whether there is any correlation between such measurements and maternal oestriol levels. Serial measurements of fetal adrenal and renal maximum transverse diameters, circumference and area, and maternal plasma and saliva oestriol and progesterone levels were made at 4 weekly intervals from 24 weeks to delivery in 32 normal pregnant women. There was an approximately linear increase in the fetal adrenal and renal measurements that were studied. There was no correlation between these measurements and either plasma or saliva oestriol or progesterone levels, or the saliva oestriol:progesterone ratio, at any specific gestation.