Prediction of low birth weight infants from ultrasound measurement of placental diameter and placental thickness.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to help to predict low birth weight infants by measuring placental diameter and thickness.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted of 70 consecutive singleton pregnancies to evaluate placental diameter and thickness by ultrasonographic measurement at 36 weeks gestation. The individual data were fitted to a logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
A "warning limit" of a placental diameter of 18 cm and placental thickness of 2 cm at 36 weeks gestation were calculated to predict low birth weight infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonographic placental diameter and thickness measurements appears to be of prognostic value in identifying the subsequent occurrence of fetal growth retardation.
Habib
Fawzia A
FA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fhabib@healthgulf.com