Analysis of factors influencing the ultrasonic fetal weight estimation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was the evaluation of sonographic fetal weight estimation taking into consideration 9 of the most important factors of influence on the precision of the estimation.


METHODS
We analyzed 820 singleton pregnancies from 22 to 42 weeks of gestational age. We evaluated 9 different factors that potentially influence the precision of sonographic weight estimation (time interval between estimation and delivery, experts vs. less experienced investigator, fetal gender, gestational age, fetal weight, maternal BMI, amniotic fluid index, presentation of the fetus, location of the placenta). Finally, we compared the results of the fetal weight estimation of the fetuses with poor scanning conditions to those presenting good scanning conditions.


RESULTS
Of the 9 evaluated factors that may influence accuracy of fetal weight estimation, only a short interval between sonographic weight estimation and delivery (0-7 vs. 8-14 days) had a statistically significant impact.


CONCLUSIONS
Of all known factors of influence, only a time interval of more than 7 days between estimation and delivery had a negative impact on the estimation.
Heer
Ivo Markus
IM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany. iheer@email.uni-kiel.de
Kumper
Carolin
C
Vogtle
Nadin
N
Muller-Egloff
Susanne
S
Dugas
Martin
M
Strauss
Alexander
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D020567:Fetal Weight; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007746:Labor Presentation; D008297:Male; D033261:Maternal-Fetal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D036801:Parturition; D010920:Placenta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data