Fetal Parameters Research Articles

Normal Fetal Growth Profile at 10-41 Weeks of Gestation - An Update Based on 10225 Normal Singleton Pregnancies and Measurement of the Fetal Parameters Using 3D Ultrasound.

To construct new growth charts and tables for the following fetal growth parameters: biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal transverse diameter (ATD), abdominal sagittal diameter (ASD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (Fe), tibia length (Ti), fibula length (Fi), humerus length (Hu), radius length (Ra), and ulna length (Ul). This prospective study was conducted at a level III ultrasound center as a population-based cross-sectional study on 10 225 normal singleton pregnancies with a gestational age between 10 and 41 completed weeks. Gestational age was confirmed in all cases by an ultrasound examination with crown-rump measurement before 10 weeks of gestation. All examinations were performed with 3 D probes. BPD, OFD, ATD, and ASD were measured as outer-to-outer measurements (skin-to-skin) after identifying the exact biometric planes by 3 D multiplanar display. HC was computed using the formula . For AC the approximate elliptical formula AC = (ATD+ASD)/2 × 3.142 was used. Measurements of the limb bones included the entire ossified shaft. Based on a nonlinear regression model for the age-specific mean values, distribution-free reference ranges were calculated for the parameters BPD, OFD, HC, ATD, ASD, AC, Fe, Ti, Fi, Hu, Ra and Ul. The new reference ranges were compared with our reference ranges published in 1996 as well as with different reference charts published by other authors. 3 D ultrasound allows a controlled demonstration of all fetal planes required for exact biometric measurements. The fetal growth profile including the 12 biometric parameters gives a precise overview of normal or abnormal fetal growth.

A Comparative Ultrasonographic Study of Fetal Biometric Parameters of Normal Fetus versus Intrauterine Growth Restriction Fetus during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a well-known complex issue in obstetrics that can lead to significant fetal or neonatal complications, both in the short and long term. This ultrasonographic study was undertaken to compare the growth and development of the normal fetus versus IUGR fetus, during the third trimester of pregnancy in Meghalaya, Northeastern India. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, analytical ultrasonographic study done on pregnant women in the third trimester from May 2021 to October 2022 at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong. Forty-two pregnant women (twenty-one each from normal and IUGR fetuses) were observed from the 28th week of gestation until delivery. Ultrasonographic fetal biometric parameters (FBPs) such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, and estimated fetal weight were used to study fetal growth and development. The weight and length of the newborn were recorded. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify the association between IUGR and FBPs as well as birth weight and length. Results: Among the FBPs, only AC parameter was statistically associated with IUGR status (P < 0.05). Birth weight and birth length were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the normal group (P < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Among the FBPs, AC may be better suited to compare fetal growth and development between normal and IUGR fetuses during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women recovering from asymptomatic COVID-19 and fetal Doppler ultrasound parameters

Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women recovering from asymptomatic COVID-19 and fetal Doppler ultrasound parameters

Fetal Doppler parameters as predictors of fetal cardiac function in late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR): a prospective study

Fetal Doppler parameters as predictors of fetal cardiac function in late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR): a prospective study

Prenatal Sonographic Three-dimensional Virtual Organ Computer-assisted Analysis Thymic Volume Calculation May Predict Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to fetuses that are small for their gestational age. There is no effective test to predict this disease. The aim of our study is whether fetal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (USG)-assisted thymus volume (TV) measurement predicts IUGR cases. Fetal 3D USG thymus measurement between 15 and 24 weeks of gestation was performed in a total of 100 women of reproductive age. Fetal TV was measured using the virtual organ computer-assisted analysis system program. All cases were followed up in terms of pregnancy complications until delivery. IUGR was developed in six cases in total. In cases with IUGR, mean fetal TV was found to be statistically significantly lower than in healthy cases without it. When the fetal TV was taken as 0.1645, the sensitivity was calculated as 89.5% and the specificity as 50% for predicting IUGR. The use of low fetal volume parameters is a significant and good indicator for predicting IUGR according to the binary logistic regression analysis result. According to the results of this study, 3D fetal TV measurement may be used in routine second-trimester sonographic anomaly screening to predict the development of fetal IUGR. In this way, fetal mortality and morbidity caused by IUGR may be reduced.

Prevalence of abnormal umbilical arterial Doppler indices in apparently normal pregnancies in Calabar.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may occur in the presence of normal fetal growth parameters, with resultant unanticipated perinatal morbidity and mortality. Umbilical arterial Doppler evaluation determines the fetuses susceptible to compromise by detecting IUGR early enough for successful intervention measures to be implemented. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of abnormal umbilical arterial Doppler indices (UADI) in apparently normal pregnancies and to assess its correlation with amniotic fluid index (AFI). In this prospective cross-sectional study, obstetric sonographic examination and UADI evaluation were done on 310 apparently normal pregnant women between 26 to 40 weeks within a 6-months period. Abnormal UADI had a prevalence of 10.3%. Educational level (P = 0.000) and employment status (P = 0.000) were significantly associated with abnormal UADI. Abnormal umbilical arterial resistivity index (RI) had a significant correlation with EFW (P = 0.000) and HC/AC (P = 0.000) but no significant relationship with AFI (P = 0.593). The prevalence of abnormal umbilical arterial Doppler indices was high in apparently normal pregnancies mostly among women with low socio-economic status, with no demonstrable association with AFI.

Retracted: The Role and Clinical Value of Optimized Fetal Main Pulmonary Artery Doppler Parameters in the Diagnosis and Prognosis Monitoring of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/1682225.].

A review on deep-learning algorithms for fetal ultrasound-image analysis.

Deep-learning (DL) algorithms are becoming the standard for processing ultrasound (US) fetal images. A number of survey papers in the field is today available, but most of them are focusing on a broader area of medical-image analysis or not covering all fetal US DL applications. This paper surveys the most recent work in the field, with a total of 153 research papers published after 2017. Papers are analyzed and commented from both the methodology and the application perspective. We categorized the papers into (i) fetal standard-plane detection, (ii) anatomical structure analysis and (iii) biometry parameter estimation. For each category, main limitations and open issues are presented. Summary tables are included to facilitate the comparison among the different approaches. In addition, emerging applications are also outlined. Publicly-available datasets and performance metrics commonly used to assess algorithm performance are summarized, too. This paper ends with a critical summary of the current state of the art on DL algorithms for fetal US image analysis and a discussion on current challenges that have to be tackled by researchers working in the field to translate the research methodology into actual clinical practice.

The Value of Non-invasive Electrocardiography in Assessing Fetal Status at Term Delivery.

The electrocardiograph (ECG) is efficient method for the accurate assessment of fetal heart rate. The barriers for accurate assessment are maternal heart rate, uterine contractions and abdominal muscles. Although previous monitoring methods have struggled to overcome these barriers, recent advances have led to a greater degree of success for listening and recording pulse-by-pulse fetal heart rate. A prospective cohort study evaluating the use, reliability and safety of non-invasive electrocardiography, in conjunction with Fetal Heart Rate parameters such as, Short Term Variability (STV) together with umbilical cord PH and Apgar score, during the active phase of childbirth. A total of 41 women with single, normal, full-term pregnancies had systematic obstetric monitoring with Monica AN24. 20 had only monitoring and 21 also had and arterial blood flow measurements. pH was measured and correlated with neonatal Apgar score at 1 and 5 min. The study also included a questionnaire about the safety and usability of obstetric monitoring. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS v. 26.0. Mean age was 28.8 years, (SD ± 6.153). Electrocardiogram recordings (ECG) were classified as normal (71%) and suspicious (29%). Baseline between ECGs was different (p = 0.025) similarly for Short term variability (STV) (p <0.0001). BMI did not differentiate SVT rates. Only high acceleration (p <0.029) and small slowdowns had a statistically significant difference between normal and suspected cardiographs (p <0.029). APGAR score did not differ, whereas the umbilical cord pH was different in normal ECGs compared to the suspect (p = 0.012) and STV was also differentiated. A usability and safety survey was conducted after recording with MONIKA AN24, and the response to whether they would accept recording with the device again, was positive for 96% of the 30 responders. The present study shows that the use of electrocardiography in obstetrics allows to draw conclusions about the fetal hematopoiesis and oxygenation status. This method could be clinically applied and be an important tool for further screening in embryos that may be hypoxic and to decide whether to continue with a vaginal or cesarean delivery, thereby achieving the goal of reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Red blood cells parameters of maternal and umbilical cord

Background: It is debatable if the mother's iron level affects the fetal red blood cell parameters and whether the fetus' blood develops independently of the mother. When diagnosing and monitoring newborn anemia, the values of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrits (HCT) were involved. Neonatal hematological illness is typically diagnosed using samples of umbilical cord blood. Objective: The objective of this research was to determine whether or not there is a relationship between maternal and cord blood red cell parameters. Methods: At the Al-Fashir Maternal Hospital in North Darfur, Sudan, a cross-sectional study was carried out, including 100 mothers who were giving birth between January and March 2015. In an EDTA-containing tube, three milliliters of venous blood were drawn to measure the mothers' red blood cell parameters prior to birth. Immediately upon delivery, the babies' umbilical cords were clamped and the babies' end of the cord was cut in order to collect five milliliters of cord blood. Hematological parameters were measured using a conventional coulter gram, comprising measurements of hemoglobin (Hb), RBC count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Results: 100 samples of umbilical cord blood and 100 samples of maternal blood were combined for the analysis. All of the red blood cell characteristics, with the exception of MCHC, were discovered to be higher in the cord blood samples than the maternal blood samples. Statistics showed that the difference was significant. While 59 (59%) of the moms had normal red blood cell characteristics, 41 (41%) of the mothers were anemic. There were no statistically significant differences between newborns with anemic mothers and those with normal mothers when red blood cell parameters were compared. Red cell indices for mothers and neonates did not correlate statistically significantly, including Hb (r=0.13, P-value: 0.2), HCT (r=0.1, P-value: 0.24), RBCs (r= 0.1, P-value: 0.29), MCV (r=0.06, P-value: 0.54), MCH (r= 0.07, P-value: 0.48), MCHC (r= 0.09, P-value: 0.36), RDW-SD (r=0.09, P-value: 0.32) and RDW-CV (r=0.08, P-value: 0.46). There was no significant variance between the red blood cell parameters of male neonates (46%) and female neonates (54%) as well as the link between the red blood cell parameters of cord blood and mothers' ages. Conclusion: Maternal and cord blood red cell parameters did not significantly correlate. In comparison to maternal blood samples, all of the red blood cell characteristics were shown to be higher in cord blood samples except for MCHC.

Role of maternal hemodynamics and fetal ultrasound parameters to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Role of maternal hemodynamics and fetal ultrasound parameters to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Ultrasound measurement of fetal kidney length in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and its correlation with gestational age

Aims: To measure the fetal kidney length in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and correlate it with the gestational age and other routine fetal parameters. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study includes 250 pregnant women presented in the Nobel Medical College for ultrasound examination from the period of July 2021 to June 2022. Gestational age was estimated based on the last menstrual date and ultrasonogram. Routine fetal parameters and mean fetal kidney length were measured. The correlation between gestational age, fetal kidney length, and routine fetal parameters was studied. Results: The mean gestational age according to ultrasound and last menstrual period were 35.5 ± 3.4 weeks and 35.2 ± 3.2 weeks respectively. The mean fetal kidney length was 36.8 ± 4.02mm. There was a very strong positive correlation between gestational age and fetal kidney length (r=0.921, p =0.001). Compared to the routine fetal parameters, adding fetal kidney length improved the effectiveness in predicting gestational age. (R2 =0.918 vs. R2 =0.936) Conclusion: Fetal kidney length can be added to the other standard parameters to improve the prediction of gestational age.

Ameliorative Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis J-12 on Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes in a High-Fat-Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Rat Model.

Bifidobacterium, a common probiotic, is widely used in the food industry. Hyperglycemia in pregnancy has become a common disease that impairs the health of the mother and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, fetal hyperinsulinemia, and perinatal death. Currently, Bifidobacterium has been shown to have the potential to mitigate glycolipid derangements. Therefore, the use of Bifidobacterium-based probiotics to interfere with hyperglycemia in pregnancy may be a promising therapeutic option. We aimed to determine the potential effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis J-12 (J-12) in high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rats with hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) and respective fetuses. We observed that J-12 or insulin alone failed to significantly improve the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level and oral glucose tolerance; however, combining J-12 and insulin significantly reduced the FBG level during late pregnancy. Moreover, J-12 significantly decreased triglycerides and total cholesterol, relieved insulin and leptin resistance, activated adiponectin, and restored the morphology of the maternal pancreas and hepatic tissue of HIP-induced rats. Notably, J-12 ingestion ameliorated fetal physiological parameters and skeletal abnormalities. HIP-induced cardiac, renal, and hepatic damage in fetuses was significantly alleviated in the J-12-alone intake group, and it downregulated hippocampal mRNA expression of insulin receptor (InsR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and upregulated AKT mRNA on postnatal day 0, indicating that J-12 improved fetal neurological health. Furthermore, placental tissue damage in rats with HIP appeared to be in remission in the J-12 group. Upon exploring specific placental microbiota, we observed that J-12 affected the abundance of nine genera, positively correlating with FBG and leptin in rats and hippocampal mRNA levels of InsR and IGF-1R mRNA in the fetus, while negatively correlating with adiponectin in rats and hippocampal levels of AKT in the fetus. These results suggest that J-12 may affect the development of the fetal central nervous system by mediating placental microbiota via the regulation of maternal-related indicators. J-12 is a promising strategy for improving HIP and pregnancy outcomes.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways in diabetic rat decidua early after implantation: regulation by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids

Research questionAre peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathways and moieties involved in histotrophic nutrition altered in the decidua of diabetic rats? Can diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) administered early after implantation prevent these alterations? Can these dietary treatments improve morphological parameters in the fetus, decidua and placenta after placentation? DesignStreptozotocin-induced diabetic Albino Wistar rats were fed a standard diet or diets enriched in n3- or n6-PUFAs early after implantation. Decidual samples were collected on day 9 of pregnancy. Fetal, decidual and placental morphological parameters were evaluated on day 14 of pregnancy. ResultsOn gestational day 9, PPARδ levels showed no changes in the diabetic rat decidua compared with controls. In diabetic rat decidua, PPARα levels and the expression of its target genes Aco and Cpt1 had reduced. These alterations were prevented by the n6-PUFA-enriched diet. Levels of PPARγ, the expression of its target gene Fas, lipid droplet number and perilipin 2 and fatty acid binding protein 4 levels increased in the diabetic rat decidua compared with controls. Diets enriched with PUFA prevented PPARγ increase, but not the increased lipid-related PPARγ targets. On gestational day 14, fetal growth, decidual and placental weight reduced in the diabetic group, and alterations prevented by the maternal diets were enriched in PUFAs. ConclusionWhen diabetic rats are fed diets enriched in n3- and n6-PUFAs early after implantation, PPAR pathways, lipid-related genes and proteins, lipid droplets and glycogen content in the decidua are modulated. This influences decidual histotrophic function and later feto-placental development.

A Comparative Morphometric and Histological Study of Human Fetus and Fetal Pancreas in Hyperglycemic and Normoglycemic Mothers.

A significant percentage of pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been found to result in the delivery of macrosomic babies. The current study intends to highlight the correlation between maternal diabetes and fetal parameters as well as the histogenesis of the fetal pancreas in humans. The study included thirty aborted fetuses, categorized into seven groups according to their gestational age. Morphometric analysis of fetal parameters and fetal pancreas was done, and the values were compared within different gestational age groups. Pancreatic tissue was processed, stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, and examined. A comparison was then made between fetuses with and without gestational diabetes. Results: All the fetal biometrics as well as pancreatic parameters showed greater numeric values in mothers with GDM as compared to the controls of the same gestational age groups. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Histogenesis in such fetuses revealed GDM-related hyperplasia of islets of Langerhans. A timely diagnosis of GDM is thus of paramount significance due to its potential implications so that appropriate interventions can be done on time, to improve the overall outcome.

Correlation of Ultrasound Umbilical Venous Blood Flow in Normal Pregnancy with Gestational Age and Foetal Weight

Background: Umbilical venous (UV) blood flow is a direct and physiological measurement of vascular placental function.&#x0D; Objectives: To correlate UV blood flow with gestational age (GA) and foetal weight (FW) in a cohort of normal pregnant Nigerian women.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 2,247 women with normal singleton pregnancy between 20 – 40 weeks were included in this study, which was conducted between May 2020 – October 2022, in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria. The women had ultrasound assessment of UV blood flow and foetal biometric parameters and weight. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25, associations between categorical variables and between categorical and continuous variables were assessed using chi square and t-test, respectively, with p-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Correlation analysis was done, and presented in tables and charts.&#x0D; Results: There was a strong linear correlation between UV blood flow volume and GA (correlation coefficient, ɼ= 0.95; p=0.001), FW (ɼ=0.81; p=0.001), foetal biparietal diameter (BPD) (ɼ=0.88; P=0.001) and abdominal circumference (AC) (ɼ=0.75; P=0.001). Conversely, UV blood flow volume/FW showed a strong inverse relationship with FW (ɼ=- 0.73; p = 0.001), and a weak inverse relationship with GA (ɼ=- 0.36; p = 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: UV blood flow increases with advancing gestation and FW. The increase in UV blood flow in later gestation is however surpassed by the increase in FW, resulting in a reduction in UV blood flow volume per unit FW in the third trimester. The linear increase in UV blood flow volume with foetal BPD and AC suggests that these three parameters could be used in combination to estimate both GA and FW.

A REVIEW OF THE MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANE

Background: Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) is defined as rupture of membrane before 37 completedweeks. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes after the recommended treatment for PPROMand to observe maternal and fetal effects after that recommended treatment.Objectives : Determining probable difficulties, safeguarding the health of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy,and comprehending the development and function of the amnion and chorion are among the goals of studying maternaland fetal outcomes in early embryonic membrane formation.Study design : A observational StudyDuration and place of study: This observational research was conducted at the Mardan Medical ComplexHospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. In this research, 100 PPROM patients were enrolled betweenJuly 2018 and August 2019Method: In 2019, this research was carried out at the Gynae A Ward of the Mardan Medical Complex Hospital. For our study, 100 PPROM patients were included. We tracked maternal and fetal parameters throughout ourtrial, from the beginning of PROM until delivery, including the manner of delivery, infant weight, Apgar score, andpostnatal conditions for both the mother and the newborn.Results: Thirty of the one hundred patients we included for our research had PPROM far from the term, whereasseventy patients had PPROM close to time. The delay was lower for PPROM closer to the time. Ten individualsdeveloped LSCS, while ninety of the 100 women had vaginal births. While 80 patients remained stable over thecourse of the research, 20 individuals had maternal morbidity. Five stillbirths occurred among the approximately 95live births. Twenty babies suffered from newborn septicemia and RDS.Conclusion: Intensive monitoring during labour and postpartum NICU care are necessary for the birth of a pretermbaby. Management is feasible only at tertiary care institutions with superior NICU facilities. Senior obstruction shoulddecide on prudent management and induction.Keywords: Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH), Neonatal Death (NND), Neonatal Sepsis (NNS), PretermPremature Rupture of Membrane (PPROM), (NICU)

Ultrasonographic Monitoring of Fetal Growth and Fetal Weight Calculation in Sows during Gestation

Ultrasound examinations offer the possibility to monitor fetal growth and estimate fetal weight, but reference data for such techniques in pigs are rare. The aim of this study was therefore to identify suitable anatomical fetal structures for monitoring physiological growth dynamics by ultrasound examinations and to estimate fetal weight using appropriate mathematical models. For this purpose, 198 fetuses of 15 primiparous Landrace sows were examined by ultrasound on days 36, 50, 64, 79 and 92 of gestation in live sows and in utero after slaughter. Biparietal distance (BPD), rostro-occipital distance (ROD), corpus vitreum diameter, heart length, abdominal circumference (AC) and transverse and sagittal abdominal diameter were determined by ultrasound in utero, and the fetuses were subsequently ex uteri determined and weighed. Reference curves for the continuous increase in fetal parameters over the pregnancy were established. Weight estimation could be performed with linear models at a known stage of pregnancy using one or a combination of parameters. Cubic equations were developed to describe the relationships between body measurements and weight over the course of gestation. BPD, ROD and AC have been shown to be the most suitable parameters for fetal weight estimation, but in live sows, only the fetal head parameters could be easily and reliably determined. These techniques could initially be of interest for research into fetal growth, but future application in veterinary practice is also conceivable.

Ultrasound evaluation of biometric and Doppler parameters of kidneys in sheep in the prenatal and postnatal periods

The aim of this study was the ultrasound evaluation of kidneys in sheep fetuses during consecutive weeks of pregnancy and of lamb kidneys in the first two weeks after delivery. To evaluate the fetal kidneys, 20 single-pregnancy Suffolk sheep were examined. In the postpartum period, the kidneys were examined in 10 ewe lambs and 9 ram lambs. B-Mode ultrasound was used to assess the length, width and thickness of the kidney, as well as the thickness of the renal parenchyma and the renal cortex. Vascular haemodynamics was assessed with color and pulsed Doppler in renal, segmental and interlobular arteries. Fetal kidneys were visualized from 53 ± 2.00 days, and corticomedullary differentiation was observed from the 10th week of pregnancy onwards. All fetal kidney biometric parameters increased significantly in the following weeks of pregnancy. The width and thickness of the kidneys were greater in male than in female fetuses (P < 0.05). The left kidney was thicker than the right kidney (P < 0.05). An interactive effect of gestational age, fetal sex and kidney location on kidney width, kidney thickness and renal parenchyma thickness (P < 0.05) has been demonstrated. All the biometric parameters of the kidneys differed significantly between the first and the second week of life of the lambs. The thickness of the renal cortex was greater in the ram lambs (P < 0.05). However, the length, width and thickness depended on the location of the kidneys (P < 0.05). An interactive effect of age, sex and kidney location on kidney width in lambs was demonstrated (P < 0.05). In the fetal renal artery, peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were significantly lower than in lamb kidneys in the first few days of life. In turn, the PSV/EDV and resistance index (RI) in fetal kidneys were significantly higher than that in newborn lambs. In lambs, PSV, PSV/EDV, RI and PI in the renal artery were significantly higher than that in the segmental and interlobular arteries. Regardless of the location of the arterial vessel, significant differences were noted between the Doppler indices in one-week and two-week-old lambs. The obtained results may be useful in establishing reference values for biometric and hemodynamic ultrasound parameters of sheep kidneys during the fetal and neonatal period. Assessment of the renal cortex is especially of great clinical importance. Increased echogenicity and reduced thickness may indicate certain pathological processes in the kidney. The results of Doppler indices indicate that the postnatal renal haemodynamics depends on the age of the lambs and the location of the renal vessels. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account in the assessment of renal arterial blood flow in lambs.

Effect of third trimester maternal vitamin D levels on placental weight to birth weight ratio in uncomplicated pregnancies.

Vitamin D has critical role for the fetal and placental development. Today, placental weight (PW), fetal birth weight (BW), and the PW/BW ratio are used as markers of fetal development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and these markers in uncomplicated pregnancies. This study included 108 women with uncomplicated pregnancies, defined as full-term and healthy pregnancies without perinatal complications. Vitamin D levels <12ng/mL were classified as deficient, 12-20ng/mL as insufficient, and >20ng/mL as normal. Postnatal BW and PW were compared according to maternal serum vitamin D levels. Maternal age, maternal height, maternal weight, body mass index, nulliparity, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and fetal gender were similar between groups. Postnatal BW, PW, fetal height at birth, and fetal head circumference parameters were similar between the groups. The PW/BW ratio was 21.77±2.20 in the vitamin D deficient group, 21.20±2.40 in the insufficient group, and 19.98±2.37 in the normal group (p=0.012). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between vitamin D level and the PW/BW ratio (p=0.012, r=0.031). Our results indicated that PW/BW ratio which is the marker for prediction adverse perinatal outcomes were significantly increased in the presence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.