Fetal Length Research Articles

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

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.

Maternal visceral adiposity and fetal biometry in women with obesity and diabetes.

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation of maternal visceral adiposity with sonographic variables related to fetal biometry in the second trimester of pregnancy in mothers who were previously obese versus nonobese and gestational diabetic versus nondiabetic. This cross-sectional study included 583 pregnant women who received prenatal care between October 2011 and September 2013 at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, northeast of Brazil. Maternal visceral adiposity was measured by ultrasound examination at the same time as fetal biometry. Gestational age was 14.9±3.2 weeks. The correlation between maternal visceral adiposity and fetal biometric variables was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Among the groups, the correlation coefficients were compared using Fisher's Z-test. This test was also used to evaluate the null hypothesis of correlation coefficients between pairs of variables. Maternal visceral adiposity positively correlated with fetal abdominal circumference, estimated fetal weight, head circumference, femur length, and biparietal diameter in pregnant women with obesity, nonobesity, gestational diabetes, and nondiabetes, but the correlation coefficients were statistically similar among the groups. Maternal visceral adiposity positively correlated with fetal biometry in the second trimester of pregnancy in the same manner in pregnant women previously obese and nonobese, as well as in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and nondiabetes.

Comparative Study of Gestational Age Using Mean Fetal Kidney Length and Other Sonographic Fetal Parameters in Singleton Pregnancy After 24 Weeks

Introduction: To accurately estimate the fetus age and follow up on the growth of different fetal organs, it is vital to know the accurate date of birth. It also helps to prevent prenatal and postnatal complications for the newborn. It is common for antenatal mothers to be unaware of last menstrual period (LMP). In such situations, it would be difficult to calculate the delivery date. According to various studies, up to 30% of women were not sure of their LMP. The treating obstetricians would have to be very careful when the exact LMP is unknown in order to prevent post maturity and prematurity deliveries. Material And Methods: The present study is prospective comparative study of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Guntur Medical College and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India. After 24 weeks of gestational age are included who are at age between 20-35 yrs which is of 200 sample size in the year 2020-21. Clinical assessment of gestational age was done by palpating the fundal height of the patient. Following this using ultrasound, meam fetal kidney length (FKL) along with other fetal parameters were calculated. Result: In the present study, BPD ranged from 28-40 wks, whereas the mean BPD was 35.25+2.67 HC ranged between 27-40 and the mean BPD was 35.35+2.88 MKL ranged between 27-41 and the mean MKL was 35.93+3.49. Upon the composite of multiple parameters GA ranged between 27.8-39.6 and the mean was 3.5.36+2.7. Conclusion: The FKL is very much useful in assessing the gestational age. From our study we state that there is a significant correlation between fatal kidney length and the gestational age. Hence fetal kidney is appropriate in estimation of gestational age.

Fetal heart biventricular diameter/foot length index as a diagnostic marker of fetal macrosomia in the second and third trimester of pregnancy

Purpose Fetal macrosomia may have serious effects on both mother and newborn, so it is important to correctly evaluate the fetal weight before delivery. Fetal routine biometry, height of the fundus of uterus, interventricular septal thickness seems to be very good but still not perfect. In our study the relation between fetal biventricular (AP) diameter and fetal foot length was elaborated in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Material and methods The analyzed group (n = 423 fetuses) was divided into 2 subgroups: a control group (n = 109 fetuses) with normal biometry, normal heart anatomy and normal cardiac function, no extracardiac malformation, no extracardiac anomalies, gestational age ranged from 17.5 to 37.1 weeks of gestation, born at term with birth weight 3000–3600 g, and a study group (n = 314 fetuses) with gestational age 17.5–39.5 weeks. Among the study group there were 20 patients (n = 20 fetuses) with macrosomia defined as a neonatal birth weight of greater than or equal to 4000 g. The control group was used to generate normograms on fetal AP, foot length and AP/Foot Index. The Statistica 13.3 and Excel 365 software were used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values. Results In control group, the mean biventricular fetal heart (AP) measurement was 23 mm (12.9 mm–38 mm), the mean foot length was 43 mm (24 mm–71 mm), and the mean AP/Foot Index was 0.52 (0.40–0.65). The value of the AP/Foot Index in the second trimester of the control group was 0.53, whereas the AP/Foot Index in the third trimester of pregnancy was 0.51. The use of standard fetal biometry resulted in the prediction of macrosomia in 20%, whereas the AP/Foot index in addition to standard fetal biometry enabled the detection of 65% of macrosomia. Conclusions The AP/Foot Index higher than 0.52 has greater sensitivity and negative predictive value to detect macrosomia compared to standard ultrasound fetal biometry.

THE FEATURES OF THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE UTERUS OF EARLY FETUSES

Perinatal changes in the shape of the uterus were traced, and a certain shape of its bottom was determined in each of the months of the perinatal period of development. Material and methods. Features of the typical and variant anatomy of the uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes were studied on 160 preparations of fetuses and newborns using a complex of morphological research methods: macroscopic, ordinary and thin dissection.Research results. It has been proven that the topography of the bottom of the uterus is characterized by the greatest variability of shape, which can be grooved, bumpy, flat and convex. The physiological disappearance of the groove on the uterus was observed, which is confirmed by established reliable correlations of average strength between the width of the uterine fundus, the indicators of which vary from 6.0±0.21 mm to 6.4±1.60 mm and the parietal-p fetal length (TPD) of the fetus.Conclusions. As a result of morphological studies, the following forms of the uterine fundus were established: grooved, tuberous, flat and convex. In our opinion, this (in the specified sequence) is the natural phase of the transformation of the shape of the bottom of the uterus during the perinatal period.

Epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 mediates lower sperm quality in male offspring induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure.

Decreased sperm quality is the main cause of male infertility. Studies have found that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) decreases sperm quality in male offspring after birth, but the mechanism is unclear. Wistar pregnant rats were subcutaneously injected with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg.d dexamethasone at gestational day 9-20. The testes and sperm of first-generation (F1) offspring were collected, and F1 offspring were mated with wild-type female rats to obtain F2. Compared with the control group, F1 offspring in PDE group had lower sperm count and motility after birth, and the deformity rate increased. F2 fetal rats' body length and weight decreased, and the intrauterine growth retardation rate increased. Meanwhile, PDE decreased the expression of connexin 43 (CX43) in offspring testes, while T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) promoter region histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and its expression were increased. Traced back to F1 fetus testes, PDE increased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and P300, activated GR protein into the nucleus, and made GR act on the TBX2 promoter region. Further, a series of Sertoli cell interventions confirmed that dexamethasone promoted GR to recruit P300, increased the H3K9ac level of TBX2 promoter region and its expression, and inhibited the expression of CX43. This study confirmed that PDE decreased sperm quality of male offspring, which is related to the epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 in the Sertoli cells, provided a theoretical and experimental basis for guiding the rational use of drugs during pregnancy.

Effect of monosodium glutamate on fetal development and progesterone level in pregnant Wistar Albino rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widespread flavor enhancer and stabilizer in manufactured or packaged foods that possess myriad adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MSG on placental progesterone receptors and fetal development. Thirty pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups (ten/each). The control group (G1) gavaged distilled water only, low-dose treated group (G2) gavaged 3 g/kg MSG, and high-dose treated group (G3) gavaged 6 g/kg MSG from 1st to 18th days of gestation, and all pregnant rats were sacrificed on the 19th day of gestation. The effect of MSG on fetal weights, crown vertebral length (CVL), placental weight, placental ghrelin expression, and fetal skeleton examination were estimated. MSG induced a significant decrease in fetal weights, CVL lengths, placental weight, and ghrelin expression in both treatment groups compared to the control group. Several parts of the fetal skeleton showed incomplete ossification and delayed chondrification in which high-dose maternally treated fetuses were more affected. Many degenerative changes were detected in both maternal and fetal liver and kidney tissues in MSG-treated groups. Moreover, MSG caused a significant increase in serum ALT, ALP, and creatinine levels in pregnant rats’ blood. Serum progesterone was only elevated in G3 on the 19th day of gestation. This study showed that the administration of MSG during pregnancy adversely influences fetal growth and skeletal development and caused several biochemical and histological changes in the maternal and fetal liver and kidney tissues which assure the toxic and teratogenic effects of MSG.

Revised estimates of foetal and post-natal growth in young gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus)

Patterns of gray whale growth in body length and weight with age are evaluated using published values of foetal and post-natal body dimensions at reported ages, supplemented with previously unpublished measured lengths of 88 mid-gestation foetuses, 82 first-summer calves and 30 secondsummer whales taken in the summer/autumn Chukotkan native subsistence fishery. Gompertz growth models are fitted to foetal and post-natal lengths at age, predicting mean lengths at birth in mid-January of 4.7m, 7.9m at weaning and 8.7m at one year. The late foetal diapause in growth of length is not supported by the available data. Two equations were derived for estimating body weights from the linear body dimensions of length and maximum girth. For biomass estimates, two equations based on length alone and on both girth and length are derived. A multiple least squares regression equation fit to 14 measurements of the same whale over 14 months of captive rehabilitation predicts mean body weights at birth of 1,100–1,200kg, 5,100–5,200kg at six months (weaning), and 6,700–6,800kg at one year of age.

Maternal serum levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor at 20 and 28 weeks of gestational age and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth

Spontaneous preterm birth is the endpoint of multiple different pathophysiological pathways. Fetal growth restriction, assessed by serial ultrasonic fetal biometry, has been shown to predict both preterm and early-term spontaneous labor. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio is predictive of early-term spontaneous labor, but its association with spontaneous preterm birth is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether maternal serum levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor, and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1: placental growth factor ratio at 20 and 28 weeks' gestation, and the rate of change in these biomarkers between 20 and 28 weeks were predictive of risk of spontaneous preterm birth. The biomarkers were measured in maternal serum at 20- and 28-weeks' gestation in women recruited to a prospective cohort of unselected nulliparous women as part of the Pregnancy Outcome Prediction study in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth was assessed using Cox regression and competing-risks regression. Associations from Cox regression were quantified by the adjusted hazard ratio for a 1 standard deviation higher level of a given biomarker or a 1 standard deviation increase in the marker between 20 and 28 weeks' gestation. A previously identified risk factor, slow femur length growth, was used as an additional predictor of spontaneous preterm birth for the purpose of risk stratification. Of the 3763 participants in the analysis, 95 (2.5%) had spontaneous preterm birth and 54 (1.4%) had medically indicated preterm birth. At 20 weeks' gestation, higher levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1:placental growth factor ratio were associated with reduced risk of spontaneous preterm birth (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.75 [0.61-0.92]; P=.006 and 0.71 [0.59-0.87]; P=.0009, respectively). At 28 weeks' gestation, there was no association between either soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 or placental growth factor and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, but there was a U-shaped relation with the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1:placental growth factor ratio. However, when the biomarkers were quantified as the rate of increase between 20 and 28 weeks' gestation, there were strong positive associations between spontaneous preterm birth and rate of increase in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (1.36 [1.13-1.63]; P=.001) and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1:placental growth factor ratio (1.50 [1.30-1.73]; P<.0001), and a strong negative association with the rate of increase in placental growth factor (0.71 [0.61-0.82]; P<.0001). Women who were in the highest decile of increase in the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1:placental growth factor ratio and the lowest decile of femur length growth between 20 and 28 weeks' gestation had approximately 9-fold risk of spontaneous preterm birth (9.27 [4.21-20.37]; P<.0001). Competing-risks regression yielded similar results. Changing levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor are indicative of placental dysfunction and are strongly associated with the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, especially when combined with slower fetal femur length growth.

FETAL NASAL BONE LENGTH AS A PREDICTOR OF UNFAVOURABLE PERINATAL OUTCOMES BETWEEN 18 TO 22 WEEKS OF GESTATIONAL AGE.

Background: The determination of the study is to anticipate the unfavorable perinatal outcomes which is essential to avoid morbidities in both the mother and the fetus. To study the length of the fetal nasal bone as the predic Aim: tor of unfavorable perinatal outcomes between 18 to 22 weeks of gestational age. Retrospective cohort study. The study accepted information from 200 Study Design: Methods: pregnant women between the gestational age of 18 and 22 weeks, along with the length of the fetal nasal bone. Percentiles for fetal nasal bone length were calculated and assessed to predict the unfavorable perinatal outcomes such preterm premature rupture of membrane, premature labour, preterm birth, and fetal discomfort. Results: th Fetal nasal bone length greater than the 95 percentile was substantially related to unfavorable perinatal consequences like preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, preterm delivery, and fetal discomfort. Conclusion: Higher percentiles of the length of a fetus nasal bone between 18 and 22 weeks of gestational age may help with the forecast of unfavorable perinatal outcomes such as preterm delivery, preterm labour, and preterm premature rupture of membranes

Novel qualitative and quantitative ultrasound markers to facilitate prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction

Objective Accurate prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is challenging. We aimed to determine new ultrasound metrics for accurate prenatal diagnosis of fetal CDO. Methods Data pertaining to 46 fetuses with suspected small intestinal obstruction (26 CDO; 16 high jejunal obstructions) were retrospectively analyzed. Prenatal ultrasonographic features including dilated intestinal length, stomach length, maximum intestinal dilatation, ratio of dilated intestinal length at late gestation and dilated stomach length (I/S ratio), and location of distal end of dilated bowel segment relative to spine were compared between CDO and high jejunal obstruction groups. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound indices was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Results In 25 out of 26 CDO cases, the distal end of the dilated small intestine segment was located on the right side of spine, while that in the high jejunal obstruction group was located on the left side of spine. The dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio in CDO group were significantly smaller than those in high jejunal obstruction group (p < .05). Dilated intestinal length <51 mm or I/S ratio <1 showed high sensitivity (100, 100%) and specificity (96.1, 92.3%) for CDO (area under the curve: 0.995 and 0.988, respectively). There were no significant differences in the AUCs of dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio. Significant correlation of the site of obstruction in CDO with fetal dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio (r = 0.686; 0.660, p < .001, respectively) were noted. Conclusion Location of the distal end of the dilated small intestine segment relative to the spine, dilated intestinal length, and I/S ratio may help differentiate fetal CDO from high jejunal obstruction. The latter two metrics were associated with the site of obstruction in CDO patients.

A study relating fetal hydrocephalus with family history and consanguinity in Pakistani population.

Objective: To correlate the amniotic fluid index (AFI), measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD) and head circumference (HC) with atrium of lateral ventricle measurements (ALV) and relate the association of fetal hydrocephalus with family history and consanguinity. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Private Ultrasound Clinic, Karachi. Period: December 2018 – July 2019. Material &amp; Methods: Thirty six patients were inducted in the study. Female patients of age range of 18-41 years with gestational age of 21-39 weeks were inducted into the study after informed consent. Toshiba Aplio 300 ultrasound machine was used to measure, atrium of lateral ventricle, biparietal diameter, fetal length, head circumference and amniotic fluid index. Association between ALV and BPD, family history and consanguinity was seen by applying independent t-test while Pearson’s correlation was used to correlate the measurements of ALV and head circumference. Results: Atrium of lateral ventricle measurements &gt;10mm were diagnosed as hydrocephalus. It was observed that hydrocephalus was associated with normal volumes of amniotic fluid with highly significant results (&lt;0.000). Furthermore, the study also reported a strong association of family history and consanguineous marriages with hydrocephalus. A negative correlation was however observed between measurements of atrium of lateral ventricle and head circumference. Conclusion: Hydrocephalus was found to be associated with normal volumes of amniotic flid and had a strong association with family history and consanguinity.

Developmental and reproduction toxicity studies of Biolimus A9 in SD rats

Biolimus A9 (BA9) is a novel rapamycin derivative. In this report we evaluated the potential toxicity of BA9 in a developmental and reproduction toxicity study (segment Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ). In segment I, body weight gains in F0 rats receiving 0.80 mg/kg/day were decreased. A lower fertility index of males was observed and females failed to become pregnant in the 0.80 mg/kg/day group. The number of live fetuses and implantations were decreased while the number of dead fetuses, resorptions, and implantation losses were increased in the 0.12 mg/kg/day group. In segment Ⅱ, maternal toxicity: body weight gains in F0 females receiving 0.036 and 0.090 mg/kg/day group were decreased. Embryo toxicity: In the 0.090 mg/kg/day group, weights and body lengths of fetuses were decreased, the numbers of viable fetuses was decreased and resorbed fetuses increased. Teratogenic effects: The percent of visceral variations and skeletal variations were both increased in the 0.090 mg/kg/day group. In segment Ⅲ, dosing F0 rats with BA9 at dose levels of 0.12 and 0.80 mg/kg/day resulted in reproductive and maternal toxicity, consisting of prolonged labor, dystocia, increased mortality, along with reductions in lactation food consumption. F1 rats in the 0.12 mg/kg/day group showed reproductive and developmental toxicity consisting of body weight decreases, decreased food consumption after weaning and a reduction in the gestation index of pregnant rats. Based on these findings, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of BA9 toxicity in segment Ⅰ and Ⅲ was 0.02 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL in segment Ⅱ was 0.015 mg/kg/day.

Early Fetal Corpus Callosum: Demonstrating Normal Growth and Detecting Pathologies in Early Pregnancy.

A malformed corpus callosum carries a risk for abnormal neurodevelopment. The advent of high-frequency transducers offers the opportunity to assess corpus callosum development in early pregnancy. The aim of the study was to construct a reference chart of the fetal corpus callosum length on ultrasound between 13 and 19 weeks of gestation and to prospectively examine growth patterns in pathologic cases. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study between 2020 and 2022 in well-dated, low-risk, singleton pregnancies between 13 and 19 weeks of gestation. A standardized image was obtained in the midsagittal plane. Imaging criteria were used as a confirmation of the early corpus callosum. Measurements were taken by 4 trained sonographers. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed. Corpus callosum length in centiles were calculated for each gestational week. One hundred eighty-seven fetuses were included in the study. All cases met inclusion criteria. At 13 weeks of gestation, the margins of the early corpus callosum were sufficiently clear to be measured in 80% (20/25) of fetuses. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between corpus length and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r 2) was 0.929 (P < .001). Intra- and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.99). Presented is the earliest published case of agenesis of corpus callosum and a case of dysgenetic corpus callosum in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Provided is a nomogram of the early fetal corpus callosum. Applying imaging criteria helped to identify a case of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum as early as 14 weeks.

Long Story of Short Femur: A Single-Center Study with Step-Wise Imaging Approach.

To evaluate the possible outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with short femur length (FL) and to guide diagnosis through a step-wise imaging algorithm. This was a prospective cohort study of 42 pregnancies with fetal femur length (FL) below the 5th centile for gestational age. The cases were divided into two categories of isolated short FL & non-isolated short FL and followed up to determine the etiology. There were 11 cases of non-isolated short FL with skeletal dysplasia observed in 7 and chromosomal abnormalities in 4 cases. There were 31 cases with isolated short FL in which fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurred in 14/31 (45%) cases; 13 out of 31 (42%) were constitutional (short for gestational age, SGA) whereas 4/31(13%) showed normal interval growth on follow up (false positive). Short femur can be isolated or non-isolated. Short femur length can be a good predictor and early sign of FGR. Serial follow up scan of the all cases of isolated short FL is important since a majority of them are normal and not require any further intervention. Cases of non-isolated short FL require step-wise approach to differentiate into dysplasia or aneuploidy.

Fetal Kidney Length Measurement to Determine Gestational Age in Local Population

Fetal Kidney Length Measurement to Determine Gestational Age in Local Population

Foetal Kidney Length as a Criterion for Gestational Age Estimation

Gestational Age (GA) is important because it helps guide prenatal care. The foetus plays a pivotal role in assessing its progress and establishing the anticipated delivery date. As GA increases, standard biometric markers like biparietal diameter, head circumference, and foetal length become less accurate, making accurate determination of Foetal Gestational Age (FGA) a significant barrier for patient care. The accuracy of Foetal Kidney Length (FKL) in predicting FGA in the third trimester has been established in several populations. The growth of foetal kidneys is linear with GA, and they are easily identifiable around 18 weeks, following the mid-trimester. The present paper discusses various related research, including the relationship between GA and the length of the foetal kidney.

Ultrasound Measurement of Foetal Kidney Length during Healthy Pregnancy: Relationship with Gestational Age.

Foetal kidney length (FKL) measurements and comparisons to normal charts can be used to assess the development of the foetal kidneys throughout the entire course of pregnancy. This study was designed to assess FKL between 20 - 40 weeks' gestation, establish reference ranges for FKL and determine the relationship between FKL and gestational age (GA) in normal pregnancy. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between March-August 2022, at the Obstetric Units and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary health facilities, one secondary facility and one radio-diagnostic facility in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria. Transabdominal ultrasound scan was used to evaluate the foetal kidneys. The relationship between foetal kidney dimensions and GA was explored using Pearson's correlation analysis. Linear regression analysis was done to define the relationship between GA and mean kidney length (MKL). A nomogram predicting GA from MKL was constructed. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. There was a very strong significant correlation between foetal renal dimensions and GA. The correlation coefficient between GA and mean FKL, width and anteroposterior diameter were 0.89 (p=0.001), 0.87 (p=0.001) and 0.82 (p=0.001), respectively. A unit change in mean FKL corresponded to a 79% change in GA (ɼ2), showing a very strong association between mean FKL and GA. The regression equation: GA = 9.87 + 5.91 x MKL, was derived for estimation of GA for a given MKL. Our study revealed a significant relationship between FKL and GA. The FKL can therefore be reliably used to estimate GA.

Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus).

Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

Humeral Length versus Femur Length for Estimating Fetal Age in the Third Trimester Using Ultrasound among Saudi Fetuses.

Ethnicity can influence organ measurements, so each ethnicity should provide normal references. The study was conducted to measure the normal ranges of humeral and femoral diaphysis lengths, to compare them during the third trimester of pregnancy in the Saudi population, and to identify their role in estimating fetal age. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 normal singleton pregnant females in the third trimester. The fetal humeral length (HL) and femur length (FL) were taken during ultrasound scanning for follow-up. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23 was used to summarize the data and to compare both the lengths with the last menstrual period (LMP) using Pearson's correlation. The comparison was considered statistically significant if P < 0.05. The mean humeral and femoral diaphysis lengths ± standard deviations were 4.84 ± 1 cm and 5.54 ± 1.2 cm, respectively. A positive linear correlation was present between the length and LMP. The correlation of HL with LMP (r = 0.828) was higher than that of FL with LMP (r = 0.770). HL and FL were correlated. They showed a Pearson's coefficient of 0.941. The study revealed that gender does not affect fetal HL and FL. Normal reference ranges for femur and humeral diaphysis lengths during the third trimester were provided. The humerus can be used to assess fetal age. Humerus and femur were correlated to each other among Saudi fetuses. Another study with a larger sample size is recommended.