Estimation of gestational age in third trimester using mean fetal kidney length in comparison with fetal biometry

Abstract

Background: Accurate estimation of gestational age (GA) is crucial for providing quality health care and need for intervention in inadvertent conditions such as fetal growth restriction. Various parameters are used for measuring GA, but none of them are valid in 3rd trimester. Recently some studies focused on Fetal kidney length (FKL) measurement for correct estimation of GA. This study focused on the validation of accuracy of FKL.Objective: Estimation of gestational age in third trimester using mean foetal kidney length. Comparing the mean FKL with Biparietal diameter (BPD), Head circumference (HC), Abdominal circumference (AC), and Femur length (FL).Methodology: Ultrasonography was done among 150 healthy antenatal with known Last menstrual period (LMP) in 3rd trimester to measure FKL, BPD, HC, AC, and FL.Results: In the present study, 51.3% were of primi paras. With increased GA, FKL also increased. Regarding correlation, FKL had very strong correlation with GA than other indices. Conclusion: FKL was the better parameter in estimating GA in 3rd trimester.