Estimación clínica y ultrasonográfica del peso fetal en embarazos a términos

Abstract

AimTo compare the correlations between estimated fetal weight (EFW) based on clinical and ultrasonographic findings with birthweight in patients in labor managed in the Obstetrics Emergency Unit of the Pedro García Clara Hospital in Ciudad Ojeda. MethodsWe carried out a comparative, correlational and applied study with a non-experimental, contemporary, cross-sectional, field design that included a sample of 100 pregnant women in the active phase of labor. EFW was determined by Johnson's formula and the Hadlock III equation. To determine the diagnostic value of the two methods, the results were then correlated with birthweight. ResultsEFW was 3,421.4±519.05g with Johnson's formula and 3,407.95±495.94g with ultrasound, while birthweight was 3,284.10±504.59g. A directly proportional and significant correlation was found between these estimates and birthweight (P<.001). Both methods showed low absolute and percentage errors; 58% of clinical estimates and 69% of ultrasound estimates had a margin of error within 10% of the birthweight. Overall accuracy was 88% for Johnson's formula and 92% for ultrasound. However, the sensitivity and specificity of these methods was very low for low birthweight. The clinical method had higher sensitivity for cases of macrosomy. ConclusionBoth the clinical method and ultrasound are accurate and precise for estimating fetal weight as both correspond proportionally to birthweight.