Reference ranges for fetal cardiac measurements from two-dimensional echocardiography in Taiwanese population

Abstract

Background Currently available fetal echocardiographic reference values are derived mainly from North American and European population studies, and there is a lack of reference values for fetal echocardiographic measurement in Taiwanese population. The aim of this study was to establish normal ranges of echocardiographic measurements in healthy Taiwanese fetuses. Methods From September 2016 till December 2017, a total of 599 healthy pregnant Taiwanese with the estimated gestational age from 14 to 38 weeks were enrolled voluntarily for this observational study. They were divided into 13 groups according to the gestational age at two weeks' interval. Standard two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to obtain measurements of the cardiac chambers and great arteries of the developing fetuses. Results A total of 575 healthy fetuses were enrolled. In contrast to other studies, our sample was more evenly distributed for estimated gestational age (p Conclusions This is the first study providing echocardiographic reference ranges and nomograms for Taiwanese fetuses. Computing z-scores from nomograms helps in standardizing comparisons and adds additional prognostic information to the diagnosis of congenital heart disease.