title: Clinical evaluation of two formulas for ultrasonic estimation of fetal weight.
abstract: Ultrasound measurement of fetal body dimensions provides a non-invasive and precise way of obtaining information of fetal size. We applied clinically two methods for fetal weight estimation described by Hansmann. The first method employed ultrasonic measurement of the fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and the transverse diameter through the lower fetal thorax aperture (THQ). This method was applied to 383 fetuses within 4 days of delivery. Weight range of the birth weights was 680-5070 g. SD of prediction errors was 264 g. The method overestimated (p less than 0.01) the fetuses weighting less than 3 000 g and underestimated (p less than 0.001) the fetuses weighing about 4 000 g. The results for the fetuses weighing between 3 000 and 4 000 g were adequate. The second method employed the BPD, THQ and the gestational age for fetal weight prediction. We applied this method to 174 fetuses and obtained SD of prediction errors of 259 g. The results were adequate in all weight groups except for the fetuses weighing over 4 000 g; this group was underestimated (p less than 0.001). The reason for the inaccuracy in the high weight groups is discussed. It is concluded that both formulas for fetal weight prediction can be used clinically when the fetal weight is expected to be below 4 000 g.
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D014463:Ultrasonography