The comparison of fetal behavior in high risk and normal pregnancies assessed by four dimensional ultrasound.
OBJECTIVE
We compared fetal behavior (FB) in high risk and normal pregnancies using four dimensional ultrasound (4DUS).


METHODS
For assessment of FB in high risk and normal pregnancies, we used a scoring system of Kurjak's antenatal neurological test (KANET). The newborns were assessed by a postnatal neurological test, Amiel-Tison neurological assessment at term (ATNAT). The scores of KANET in high risk (N=116) and in normal pregnancies (N=110) were compared. After delivery, the results of KANET from both groups were compared with ATNAT test.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between group of high risk and normal pregnancies, for 8 out of 10 parameters in KANET: isolated anteflection of the head, eye blinking, facial expressions, mouth movements, isolated hand movement, hand to face movement, fist and finger movements, general movements. There was no difference for cranial sutures and isolated leg movements. Comparison of KANET and ATNAT showed statistically significant, moderate correlation between the two tests, which means that the neuropediatric exam (ATNAT) confirmed the prenatal 4DUS finding (KANET).


CONCLUSIONS
The difference of FB between the high risk and normal pregnancies was evident. These preliminary results are promising but further studies have to be done before the test could be recommended for wider clinical practice.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. berivoj.miskovic@gmail.com
Berivoj
B
Miskovic
Oliver
O
Vasilj
Milan
M
Stanojevic
Davor
D
Ivanković
Mario
M
Kerner
Ana
A
Tikvica
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005133:Eye Movements; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009055:Mouth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*