Microconvex Probe Research Articles

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein catheterization in children: Syringe-free in-plane technique with micro-convex probe.

Central venous catheterization of children is often a challenging procedure due to small anatomical structures. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to reduce complications and improve cannulation success as compared with the landmark-based technique. In-plane techniques allow for longitudinal visualization of the vessels and real-time visualization of needle track during its advancement. When in-plane and syringe-free techniques are combined, advancement of the guidewire can also be visualized. We aim to introduce our supraclavicular approach for brachiocephalic vein cannulation in pediatric patients. A syringe-free and in-plane technique is used to cannulate the patients. The subclavian, jugular, and the brachiocephalic veins were visualized by endocavity micro-convex ultrasound probe as a Y shape during the cannulation procedure. We present a case series of successful cannulation by using this technique.

Sonogram features of myxomatous mitral valve disease and abdominal organ dissorders in a senior mini pomeranian

A 12-years-old mini pomeranian with clinical symptom of coughing was referred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University for evaluation. The radiogram showed difus interstitial nodular pattern on the lungs and enlargement of the spleen. Abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiography was performed to further diagnose the dog. Abdominal ultrasonography was taken using linear probe with frequency 5-11 MHz. Echocardiography was perfomed with right parasternal and left apical views using microconvex probe, with frequency 6-8.8 MHz. Abdominal utrasonogram showed that the dog had billiary sludge, mild splenitis, nephrolithiasis, and urolithiasis. Two dimensional Brightness-mode echocardiography showed thickened and prolapsed mitral valve. Two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography showed increasing of left ventricle lumen dimension (LVID) at systole, decreasing of fractional shortening (FS), and enlargement of left atrial. Color Flow Doppler-mode revealed there was mild regurgitation at the mitral valve. These results lead diagnosis to dilated cardiomyopathy and myxomatous mitral valve disease

Prevalence and diagnostic value of the ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen in cats.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to report the prevalence of a honeycomb appearance of the spleen in a population of referral cats presented for ultrasound examination, and to determine the diagnostic value of this finding vs the definitive diagnosis, the splenic cytological and haematological results.MethodsData were obtained from the medical records (2016–2018) of cats that had an ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen, a splenic cytological diagnosis and a complete blood count.ResultsTwenty-five cats were included. Prevalence of the honeycomb pattern was 6.8%. None of the spleen was considered normal on cytology and four types of lesions were found: lymphoid hyperplasia (64%), neoplasia (16%), extramedullary haematopoiesis (12%) and splenitis (8%). A honeycomb pattern was successfully identified with a linear high-frequency probe in all cats, but only in 36% of cases with the micro-convex probe. Follow-up information was available for four cats, in which the honeycomb appearance persisted up to 105 days after the first examination; there was persistence of the honeycomb pattern in all cases. Cats with a splenic cytological diagnosis of extramedullary haematopoiesis had the lowest haemoglobin plasma concentration (P = 0.011).Conclusions and relevanceHoneycomb appearance of the spleen is uncommon in cats and, in our study, was systematically associated with cytological alterations; most of the time it was benign (84%). The use of a high-frequency linear probe improves its detection rate. No epidemiological, ultrasonographic or clinical criteria allow differentiation between the different types of infiltration and fine-needle aspiration is therefore recommended.

Development of specific fetometric formulas of ICC and BP for predicting the parturition date in Maine Coon queens.

The objective of study was to derive specific growth curves of ICC and BP for Maine Coon. Twenty-three pregnant queens aged 1-6years, with body weight of 4.5-7.6kg, were included in the study. In each queen, serial ultrasonographic examinations of pregnancy were performed through the abdomen with the MyLab Gold Vet scanner with a 6.6-7.5MHz microconvex probe (Turin, Italy). ICC or BP was measured, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Each examination was regarded as a separate observation. In 18 queens, ICC was measured 33 times, and in 21 queens, BP was measured 60 times. The linear regressions of specific models of ICC and BP in Maine Coon pregnancies and specific formulas for predicting the parturition date in this breed were derived. The ICC formula was: days before parturition (DBP)=-0.79*mm+57.9, and the BP formula was: DBP=-1.86*mm+49.3. The proposed fetometric formulas of ICC and BP for Maine Coons after application in clinical patients can improve obstetric management in this breed.

Ultrasonographic guided block of the tibial nerve

SummaryTibial nerve anaesthesia is often utilised in the diagnostic evaluation of hindlimb lameness, but effective analgesia is sometimes difficult to achieve using a blind injection. The objectives of this paper are to describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the caudomedial aspect of the superficial caudal crural compartment containing the tibial nerve and to describe a technique to perform an ultrasonographic guided block of this nerve. The tibial nerve is imaged by the use of a microconvex probe on a transverse section of the caudomedial part of the crus made approximately 8–10 cm proximal to the point of the hock. The needle is first inserted caudally to the probe, through the superficial caudal crural fascia, directed to the caudal aspect of the nerve where half of the volume of anaesthetic solution is injected (5–8 mL). A second injection is made similarly, cranial to the probe. Ultrasonographic guided injection of the tibial nerve increases accuracy of the nerve block by avoiding erroneous intravascular injections or injections under the deep caudal crural fascia that reduces diffusion of the anaesthetic solution. As deposit of anaesthetic solution can be done closer to the nerve, specificity of the block increases with quicker anaesthesia of the distal part of the limb. In addition, a smaller volume of anaesthetic solution (10–12 mL) can be used, thereby reducing the risk of proximal diffusion.

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular central venous catheter tip positioning via the right subclavian vein using a microconvex probe.

The ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC) guidewire tip positioning has been demonstrated for catheterization of the right internal jugular vein. We explored the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided right subclavian vein (RScV) CVC tip positioning via a right supraclavicular approach using a microconvex probe. Twenty patients scheduled for elective surgery were consecutively included in this observational feasibility study following written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were emergency procedure, thrombosis and obstacle to guidewire advancement. Following an ultrasound pre-scan of the superior vena cava (SVC), the RScV and the right pulmonary artery (RPA) via the right supraclavicular fossa view, a sterile ultrasound-guided venipuncture was performed. The guidewire J-tip was advanced to the distal SVC with subsequent introduction of the CVC. The final CVC tip position was confirmed with ultrasound and postoperative chest radiograph. In all patients, SVC, RScV and RPA were visualized in the pre-scan. Guidewire positioning and final ultrasound CVC tip confirmation in the distal SVC was successful in all patients. In two patients, needle insertion of the RScV failed and insertion site was converted to a right internal jugular vein insertion. No misplacement, arterial puncture, pneumo- or hematothorax occurred. Time for pre-scan to venipuncture was 9 min 25 sec ± 5 min 24 sec and 1 min 05 sec ± 59 sec from venipuncture until guidewire positioning (mean ± SD, n = 18). Ultrasound-guided CVC tip confirmation following catheterization of the right subclavian vein via a right supraclavicular approach with a microconvex probe is feasible.

Visualization of the superior vena cava in the supraclavicular acoustic window

The ultrasound-guided venipuncture of the internal jugular vein for placement of a central venous catheter is well established. For verification of the catheter tip position mostly intracardiac ECG or chest radiography are used. Previously, we established the right supraclavicular fossa view for ultrasound based verification of the catheter placement in the superior vena cava utilizing a microconvex probe. The microconvex probe has a small footprint. However, not all ultrasound systems used in the operating theater are equipped with a microconvex transducer. Thus, we systematically compared the visibility of intrathoracic vessels obtained by a linear and a microconvex prone via the right supraclavicular view. We assessed the visibility of the junction of the brachiocephalic veins, the superior vena cava, the right pulmonary artery, the ascending aorta and the internal jugular vein, comparing a linear with a microconvex probe when using the right supraclavicular view in healthy volunteers. The superior vena cava also was identified using Doppler ultrasound. With the microconvex probe the superior vena cava was visible in all 30 healthy volunteers, but with a linear transducer it was visible in only 53 %. The combined view of the superior vena cava and the right pulmonary artery was possible in all cases when using the microconvex probe, but in only 38 % when using the linear probe. The junction of the brachiocephalic veins was seen in 75 % of the volunteers with the microconvex probe and in 38 % with the linear one. The aorta was visible in 87 % of cases with the microconvex transducer, but only in 30 % with the linear probe. The internal jugular vein was always visible with either probe. The microconvex transducer as compared to the linear probe is superior in visualizing the superior vena cava. Possible reasons are a smaller footprint, a better degree of freedom for angulation and a greater penetration depth of the microconvex probe.

Ex vivo pulmonary nodule detection with miniaturized ultrasound convex probes

BackgroundThe intraoperative localization of small and deep pulmonary nodules is often difficult during minimally invasive thoracic surgery. We compared the performance of three miniaturized ultrasound (US) convex probes, one of which is currently used for thoracic endoscopic diagnostic procedures, for the detection of lung nodules in an ex vivo lung perfusion model. MethodsThree porcine cardiopulmonary blocks were perfused, preserved at 4°C for 6 h and reconditioned. Lungs were randomly seeded with different patterns of echogenicity target nodules (9 water balls, 10 fat, and 11 muscles; total n = 30). Three micro-convex US probes were assessed in an open setting on the pleural surface: PROBE 1, endobronchial US 5–10 MHz; PROBE 2, laparoscopic 4–13 MHz; PROBE 3, fingertip micro-convex probe 5–10 MHz. US probes were evaluated regarding the number of nodules localized/not localized, the correlation between US and open specimen measurements, and imaging quality. ResultsFor detecting target nodules, the sensitivity was 100% for PROBE 1, 86.6% for PROBE 2, and 78.1% for PROBE 3. A closer correlation between US and open specimen measurements of target diameter (r = 0.87; P = 0.0001) and intrapulmonary depth (r = 0.97; P = 0.0001) was calculated for PROBE 1 than for PROBES 2 and 3. The imaging quality was significantly higher for PROBE 1 than for PROBES 2 and 3 (P < 0.04). ConclusionsUS examination with micro-convex probes to detect pulmonary nodules is feasible in an ex vivo lung perfusion model. PROBE 1 achieved the best performance. Clinical research with the endobronchial US micro-convex probe during minimally invasive thoracic surgery is advisable.

BLUE-Protocol and FALLS-Protocol: Two Applications of Lung Ultrasound in the Critically Ill

This review article describes two protocols adapted from lung ultrasound: the bedside lung ultrasound in emergency (BLUE)-protocol for the immediate diagnosis of acute respiratory failure and the fluid administration limited by lung sonography (FALLS)-protocol for the management of acute circulatory failure. These applications require the mastery of 10 signs indicating normal lung surface (bat sign, lung sliding, A-lines), pleural effusions (quad and sinusoid sign), lung consolidations (fractal and tissue-like sign), interstitial syndrome (lung rockets), and pneumothorax (stratosphere sign and the lung point). These signs have been assessed in adults, with diagnostic accuracies ranging from 90% to 100%, allowing consideration of ultrasound as a reasonable bedside gold standard. In the BLUE-protocol, profiles have been designed for the main diseases (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax), with an accuracy &gt; 90%. In the FALLS-protocol, the change from A-lines to lung rockets appears at a threshold of 18 mm Hg of pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, providing a direct biomarker of clinical volemia. The FALLS-protocol sequentially rules out obstructive, then cardiogenic, then hypovolemic shock for expediting the diagnosis of distributive (usually septic) shock. These applications can be done using simple grayscale machines and one microconvex probe suitable for the whole body. Lung ultrasound is a multifaceted tool also useful for decreasing radiation doses (of interest in neonates where the lung signatures are similar to those in adults), from ARDS to trauma management, and from ICUs to points of care. If done in suitable centers, training is the least of the limitations for making use of this kind of visual medicine.

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view for central venous catheter placement and catheter change over guidewire.

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be useful for central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Venipuncture of the internal jugular veins (IJV) or subclavian veins is performed with a micro-convex ultrasound probe, using a neonatal abdominal preset with a probe frequency of 10 Mhz at a depth of 10-12 cm. Following insertion of the guidewire into the vein, the probe is shifted to the right supraclavicular fossa to obtain a view of the superior vena cava (SVC), right pulmonary artery and ascending aorta. Under real-time ultrasound view, the guidewire and its J-tip is visualized and pushed forward to the lower SVC. Insertion depth is read from guidewire marks using central venous catheter. CVC is then inserted following skin and venous dilation. The supraclavicular fossa view is most suitable for right IJV CVC insertion. If other insertion sites are chosen the right supraclavicular fossa should be within the sterile field. Scanning of the IJVs, brachiocephalic veins and SVC can reveal significant thrombosis before venipuncture. Misplaced CVCs can be corrected with a change over guidewire technique under real-time ultrasound guidance. In conjunction with a diagnostic lung ultrasound scan, this technique has a potential to replace chest radiograph for confirmation of CVC tip position and exclusion of pneumothorax. Moreover, this view is of advantage in patients with a non-p-wave cardiac rhythm were an intra-cardiac electrocardiography (ECG) is not feasible for CVC tip position confirmation. Limitations of the method are lack of availability of a micro-convex probe and the need for training.

PS-281 Lung Ultrasound Score To Evaluate Oxygenation And Surfactant Need In Critically Ill Neonates

Background and aims Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been recently proposed to obtain fast and reproducible informations in critical care and to diagnose respiratory distress syndrome, wet lung or air leaks. Nevertheless, no data are available about its use for monitoring lung function and eventually guide respiratory support. We investigate the use of LUS score to estimate oxygenation status and surfactant need in neonates. Methods 55 consecutive neonates under CPAP underwent LUS with a 7.5 MHz microconvex probe both on transversal and longitudinal scan. Three lung areas (upper, lower, lateral) were examined according to a score previously published in critically ill adults and modified for neonates.[1] Such score is based on prevalence of A-lines, 3 crowded B-lines or consolidation (0–3 points, respectively). Transcutaneous PaO 2 and PaCO 2 , FiO 2 , airway pressure were recorded during LUS. PaO 2 /FiO 2 , oxygenation index and A-a gradient were calculated. Results Mean GA and BW were 33 (SD 3.2) wks and 2310 (SD 893) g, respectively. LUS score is highly correlated with PaO 2 /FiO 2 (rho = -0.77; p Conclusions LUS score is well correlated with oxygenation status and shows enough relibiality to predict surfactant need. LUS can be used to monitor serially the course of respiratory conditions in critically ill neonates. Reference Via G, Lung ultrasound in the ICU: from diagnostic instrument to respiratory monitoring tool. Minerva Anestesiol 2012;78:1282–96

Improving the “global use” of ultrasound for central venous access: a new supraclavicular scan by microconvex probe

Background Ultrasound (US) is increasingly used as a “global” tool to assist all the steps of a central venous catheter insertion procedure: choice of vein/approach, needle guidance during venepucture, prevention of primary malposition, rule out of pleural complications. While approach choosing and needle guidance are now well standardized, US-based prevention of primary malposition and rule out of pleural complications are still a matter of debate. US based prevention of primary malposition of a central catheter relies on [1-4]: rule out of catheter misdirection in the superior vena cava (SVC) tributary veins (so called “negative assessment”) identification of the tip within the right atrium and/ or in the lower part of the SVC (so called “positive assessment”). Tip position may be evaluated:

How can the use of lung ultrasound in cardiac arrest make ultrasound a holistic discipline. The example of the SESAME-protocol.

The most critical application of critical ultrasound - cardiac arrest - is the opportunity for technical considerations. The necessity to immediately detect reversible causes is integrated in the concept of holistic ultrasound. Holistic ultrasound is defined as a discipline where each element interacts with the others, and where the understanding of each of them allows understanding the whole. A narrow machine (not necessarily a laptop), a fast start-on time, a simple keyboard highlighting three useful buttons, a universal microconvex probe able to immediately detect pneumothorax, then deep venous thrombosis, then abdominal bleeding, then pericardial tamponade, then cardiac anomalies will allow a fast protocol. The concept of holistic ultrasound is particularly on focus in the first step done at the lung (search for pneumothorax and clearance for fluid therapy), since the best image is obtained with the simplest equipment devoid of traditional facilities (image filtering, harmonics, time lag, Doppler...). The same simple gray-scale equipment is used for the other steps, all what is needed is to see the real-time image of what is facing the probe: the very principle of visual medicine. The same approach can be used with no change, just more quietly, for many less urgent settings.

Lung ultrasound in the critically ill

Lung ultrasound is a basic application of critical ultrasound, defined as a loop associating urgent diagnoses with immediate therapeutic decisions. It requires the mastery of ten signs: the bat sign (pleural line), lung sliding (yielding seashore sign), the A-line (horizontal artifact), the quad sign, and sinusoid sign indicating pleural effusion, the fractal, and tissue-like sign indicating lung consolidation, the B-line, and lung rockets indicating interstitial syndrome, abolished lung sliding with the stratosphere sign suggesting pneumothorax, and the lung point indicating pneumothorax. Two more signs, the lung pulse and the dynamic air bronchogram, are used to distinguish atelectasis from pneumonia. All of these disorders were assessed using CT as the “gold standard” with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 90% to 100%, allowing ultrasound to be considered as a reasonable bedside “gold standard” in the critically ill. The BLUE-protocol is a fast protocol (<3 minutes), which allows diagnosis of acute respiratory failure. It includes a venous analysis done in appropriate cases. Pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumothorax yield specific profiles. Pulmonary edema, e.g., yields anterior lung rockets associated with lung sliding, making the “B-profile.” The FALLS-protocol adapts the BLUE-protocol to acute circulatory failure. It makes sequential search for obstructive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and distributive shock using simple real-time echocardiography (right ventricle dilatation, pericardial effusion), then lung ultrasound for assessing a direct parameter of clinical volemia: the apparition of B-lines, schematically, is considered as the endpoint for fluid therapy. Other aims of lung ultrasound are decreasing medical irradiation: the LUCIFLR program (most CTs in ARDS or trauma can be postponed), a use in traumatology, intensive care unit, neonates (the signs are the same than in adults), many disciplines (pulmonology, cardiology…), austere countries, and a help in any procedure (thoracentesis). A 1992, cost-effective gray-scale unit, without Doppler, and a microconvex probe are efficient. Lung ultrasound is a holistic discipline for many reasons (e.g., one probe, perfect for the lung, is able to scan the whole-body). Its integration can provide a new definition of priorities. The BLUE-protocol and FALLS-protocol allow simplification of expert echocardiography, a clear advantage when correct cardiac windows are missing.

The application of transabdominal 3D ultrasound for the diagnosis of gastric varices: A preliminary study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using transabdominal three-dimensional (3D) colour Doppler ultrasound as a non-invasive tool to demonstrate and quantify gastric varices. Subjects and methodsA phantom study compared the 3D water flow volume data in a hose with the actual volume inside the hose at three different flow velocities. The prospective clinical study examined the reliability and reproducibility of 3D volume data for gastric varices (mild 28, moderate 26, large 8) in 62 patients. The 3D images were acquired using the colour Doppler with both convex and micro-convex probes. ResultsThe phantom study showed a 12.4–17.6% difference between the 3D data and the actual volume with no difference between the two types of probes or three velocities. The detectability of gastric varices was identical between the two probes (54/62, 87.1%). However, the scanning efficiency was significantly greater for the micro-convex probe (66.9±14.1%) than the convex probe (57.3±14%, p=0.012). Body mass index was the only factor that had a significant relationship with the detectability of varices. The mean volume (mL) of the 3D signal was 0.82±0.74 for mild varices, 5.48±3.84 for moderate varices, and 10.63±6.67 for large varices with significant differences between different grades. The intra-/inter-rater reliability was excellent. ConclusionThe method of 3D colour Doppler ultrasound is reliable and reproducible in the quantitative assessment of vascular volume and is applicable for grading gastric varices. This study may offer a practical usefulness for 3D ultrasonography as an alternative to endoscopy.

Lung Ultrasound in the Critically Ill Neonate

Critical ultrasound is a new tool for first-line physicians, including neonate intensivists. The consideration of the lung as one major target allows to redefine the priorities. Simple machines work better than up-to-date ones. We use a microconvex probe. Ten standardized signs allow a majority of uses: the bat sign (pleural line), lung sliding and the A-line (normal lung surface), the quad sign and sinusoid sign indicating pleural effusion regardless its echogenicity, the tissue-like sign and fractal sign indicating lung consolidation, the B-line artifact and lung rockets (indicating interstitial syndrome), abolished lung sliding with the stratosphere sign, suggesting pneumothorax, and the lung point, indicating pneumothorax. Other signs are used for more sophisticated applications (distinguishing atelectasis from pneumonia for instance...). All these disorders were assessed in the adult using CT as gold standard with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 90 to 100%, allowing to consider ultrasound as a reasonable bedside gold standard in the critically ill. The same signs are found, with no difference in the critically ill neonate. Fast protocols such as the BLUE-protocol are available, allowing immediate diagnosis of acute respiratory failure using seven standardized profiles. Pulmonary edema e.g. yields anterior lung rockets associated with lung sliding, making the B-profile. The FALLS-protocol, inserted in a Limited Investigation including a simple model of heart and vessels, assesses acute circulatory failure using lung artifacts. Interventional ultrasound (mainly, thoracocenthesis) provides maximal safety. Referrals to CT can be postponed. CEURF proposes personnalized bedside trainings since 1990. Lung ultrasound opens physicians to a visual medicine.

Part II - Critical Care Ultrasound.

Part II - Critical Care Ultrasound.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FELINE CARDIA AND PYLORUS IN 34 HEALTHY CATS AND THREE ABNORMAL CATS

A prospective study was performed in 34 fasted healthy cats to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cardia and pylorus. Measurements were obtained for the caudal esophageal wall thickness (Ew), cardia wall thickness (Cw), pyloric wall thickness (Pw), thickness of the pyloric muscularis (Mp), length of the thicker part of the proximal duodenal submucosa (Dl). Among the 34 cats, 24 were examined using a linear transducer, and 10 with a microconvex transducer. Ew and Cw could be measured in 70% of the cats when a linear transducer was used, in 100% of the cats when a microconvex probe was used, Pw and Mp could be measured in 100% of the cats whatever probe was used. The submucosa of the most proximal part of the duodenum was thicker in half of the cats in longitudinal section. The muscularis layer of the pylorus was triangular in longitudinal section and thicker than the muscularis of the proximal duodenum. The mean for Ew, Cw, Pw, Mp, and DI was 4.9 mm (SD = 1.1), 5 mm (SD = 0.6), 4.4 mm (SD = 0.6), 2.5 mm (SD = 0.5), and 4.7 mm (SD = 2.38), respectively. Three cats with abnormalities of the cardia and pylorus are also described to illustrate clinical implications.

355 Comparison of Usefulness Between Linear Probe and Microconvex Probe in Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheterization

355 Comparison of Usefulness Between Linear Probe and Microconvex Probe in Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheterization

Relationships between fetal biometry, maternal factors and birth weight of purebred domestic cat kittens

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between kittens' birth weights and biometrical factors from the kittens and the mother during pregnancy. Knowing fetal birth weight could help in detecting abnormalities before parturition. A Caesarean-section or a postnatal management plan could be scheduled. Consequently, the neonatal mortality rate should be decreased. We used ultrasonographic measurements of femur length (FL) or fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), pregnancies, and maternal factors to obtain a model of prediction. For this purpose, linear mixed-effects models were used because of random effects (several fetuses for one queen and a few paired measurements) and fixed effects (litter size, pregnancy rank, weight, wither height, and age of the queen). This study was performed in 24 purebred queens with normal pregnancies and normal body conditions. Queens were scanned in the second half of pregnancy, using a micro-convex probe. They gave birth to 140 healthy kittens whose mean birth weight was 104 g (ranged 65 to 165 g). No correlation between the birth weight and the age of the queen, as a maternal factor alone, was observed. But the birth weight was found to be inversely proportional to the pregnancy rank and the litter size. Moreover, birth weight increased when the weight and wither height of queen increased. BPD and FL increased linearly during pregnancy so a model was used to estimate mean birth weight. Using this model, we found a correlation between mean birth weights and an association of parameters: maternal factors (wither height and age), and litter size.