Comprehensive fetal ultrasonographic growth measurements in triplet gestations.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to create tables and graphs of ultrasonographically derived fetal growth parameters in longitudinally studied triplet gestations from a single center.


METHODS
All triplet pregnancies managed by our division from 1987 through 1998 were identified. All had first-trimester dating sonograms and complete obstetric sonograms obtained by means of 3.5- or 5.0-MHz curvilinear transducers with freeze-freeze capability and on-screen calipers. Sonograms to assess fetal growth were obtained every 2 to 4 weeks, from 16 to 18 weeks' gestation until delivery. Fetal parameters obtained with each sonogram included biparietal diameter; head circumference; bicerebellar diameter; abdominal circumference; femur, humerus, tibia, and fibula lengths; estimated fetal weight; and head circumference/abdominal circumference ratio. Regression analysis was performed with JMP and Cricket Graph software packages, and lines of best fit with 95% confidence intervals were generated.


RESULTS
A total of 443 ultrasonographic examinations were performed for 33 triplet pregnancies (99 fetuses). Each had between 3 and 6 sonograms obtained, all between 16 and 35 weeks' gestation. Scatterplots of each of the fetal growth parameters against gestational age were created with regression lines of best fit and 95% confidence intervals. All growth parameters were dependent on gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive set of fetal growth measurements in triplets from the United States is now available and can be used to assess longitudinal fetal growth.
Rodis
J F
JF
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
Arky
L
L
Egan
J F
JF
Borgida
A F
AF
Leo
M V
MV
Campbell
W A
WA
D001724:Birth Weight; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes; D020567:Fetal Weight; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014310:Triplets; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal