Correlation of weight estimation in large and small fetuses with three-dimensional ultrasonographic volume measurements of the fetal upper-arm and thigh: A preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the correlation of measuring fetal upper-arm and thigh volume using three-dimensional ultrasonography with weight estimation in large and small fetuses.


METHODS
The authors included 46 pregnant women admitted for delivery in the Labor Room at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, between February 1 and September 30, 2004. Inclusion criteria were: 1) singleton pregnancy; 2) delivery within 48 hours after study; 3) estimation birthweight < 2,500 g (small fetuses group: n = 22) or > 3,500 g (large fetus group: n = 24). All patients received two- and three-dimensional ultrasound examinations by an experienced practitioner The upper-arm and thigh volume were assessed using a three-dimensional ultrasound scanner.


RESULTS
In the large fetus group, upper-arm and thigh volume measurements by three-dimensional ultrasound strongly correlated with birthweight, r = 0.805 (95%CI = 0.594-0.912) and r = 0. 739 (95%CI = 0.478-0.880), respectively. In the small fetuses group, the upper-arm and thigh volume measurements, by three-dimensional ultrasound, strongly correlated with birthweight, r = 0.868 (95%CI = 0.689-0.946) and r = 0.835 (95%CI = 0.638-0.929), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Upper-arm and thigh volumes measured by three-dimensional ultrasound highly correlates with weight estimation in large and small fetuses and can be used as a new modality for estimating fetal weight.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Somsak
S
Patipanawat
Ratana
R
Komwilaisak
Thawalwong
T
Ratanasiri
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016014:Linear Models; D011247:Pregnancy; D013848:Thigh / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods