P08.13: Longitudinal assessment of two‐dimensional ultrasonographic lung measurements in fetuses with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract

To evaluate fetal lung growth using two-dimensional ultrasonography in healthy fetuses and those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Fetal right lung measurements were longitudinally evaluated in 62 healthy fetuses and 48 fetuses with CDH by two-dimensional ultrasonography between 20 and 36 weeks of menstrual age [MA]. Right lungs areas (LA) were determined by tracing and longest diameters methods and then the lung area-to-head circumference ratios (LHRs) were also calculated. Functions fitted of these size parameters were compared for three groups: 1) healthy versus CDH fetuses; 2) different forms of CDH; and 3) CHD fetuses that survived versus those that died. The right LAs and LHRs grew significantly slower in CDH fetuses compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Fetuses with more severe forms of CDH had less growth of the LAs and LHRs than less severe forms (p < 0.05). The LAs and LHRs of fetuses with severe CDH did not grow during pregnancy (p > 0.05). Individuals that died did not show growth of the LAs and LHRs (p > 0.05). The “longest diameters” and “tracing” methods, used for right LA and LHR measurements, grow differently in healthy fetuses when compared to those with left-sided CDH. The growth curve characteristics of the LAs and LHRs may be useful for predicting mortality.