FETAL ABDOMINAL SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE THICKNESS FOR ESTIMATING FETAL BIRTH WEIGHT MEASURED BY ULTRASOUND – ITS RELIABILITY AND ACCURACY IN INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Context: Estimated Fetal weight (EFW) inuences the management and outcome of pregnancy. Commonly used ultrasound fetal weight estimation like Hadlock four parameter method(Hadlock-4) based on fetal biometry is widely used. These formulas show variable degrees of error which is more evident in fetuses with nutritional and metabolic issues; better accuracy of fetal weight estimation can be obtained by incorporation of fetal soft tissue parameters like the fetal subcutaneous tissue in the weight estimation process. To determine if measurement of fetalAims: abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (FASTT) for Estimating Fetal birth weight by ultrasound in Indian population. Settings and Design: Method and Materials:Prospective observational study, A study was done in Department of Radio- diagnosis facility of K.V.G. Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, enrolling 100 women of third trimeter pregnancy who underwent ultrasonography and delivered within one week of scan. Abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of the fetuses was measured, from the inner to the outer aspect of the echogenic subcutaneous fat at the level of the abdominal circumference (AC). Pearson coefcient. Mean age of 100 ladies enrolled was 26 years and 4 months.Statistical analysis used: Results: FASTT was positively correlated with actual birth weight (Pearson's, r = 0.69, p < 0.001). FASTT of > 8.9 mm was sensitive to predict large for gestational age (LGA) babies. FASTT can be used as an additional indicator to predict large forConclusion: gestational age babies along with other known birth weight indicators to make it more reliable in Indian context.