title: Determination of placental weight using two-dimensional sonography and volumetric mathematic modeling.
abstract: An abnormally decreased placental weight has been linked to increased perinatal complications, including intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and fetal growth restriction (IUGR). Despite its promise, determining placental weight prenatally using three-dimensional systems is time-consuming and requires expensive technology and expertise. We propose a novel method using two-dimensional sonography that provides an immediate estimation of placental volume. Placental volume was calculated in 29 third-trimester pregnancies using linear measurements of placental width, height, and thickness to calculate the convex-concave shell volume within 24 hours of birth. Data were analyzed to calculate Spearman's rho (r (s)) and significance. There was a significant correlation between estimated placental volume (EPV) and actual placental weight (r (s) = 0.80, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of preterm gestations ( N = 14) revealed an even more significant correlation of EPV to actual placental weight (r (s) = 0.89, P < 0.001). Placental weight can be accurately predicted by two-dimensional ultrasound with volumetric calculations. This method is simple, rapid, and accurate, making it practical for routine prenatal care, as well as for high-risk cases with decreased fetal movement and IUGR. Routine EPV surveillance may decrease the rates of perinatal complications and unexpected IUFD.
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
authors: Humberto
authors: H
authors: Azpurua
authors: Edmund F
authors: EF
authors: Funai
authors: Luisa M
authors: LM
authors: Coraluzzi
authors: Leo F
authors: LF
authors: Doherty
authors: Isaac E
authors: IE
authors: Sasson
authors: Merwin
authors: M
authors: Kliman
authors: Harvey J
authors: HJ
authors: Kliman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography