title: Assessment of the accuracy of multiple sonographic fetal weight estimation formulas: a 10-year experience from a single center.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation models. The secondary aim was to define the most accurate time (4-7 or 3 days before delivery) for evaluating fetal weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 12,798 sonographic fetal weight estimations were analyzed, of which 9459 were performed within 3 days of delivery and 3339 within 4 to 7 days. The cohort included all singleton pregnancies recorded at a single medical center from January 2000 to December 2010, with 24 weeks' gestation minimum. Predicted birth weights were calculated according to 23 sonographic fetal weight estimation models; in total, 294,354 sonographic weight estimations were evaluated and compared to the actual birth weights.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The accuracy of the models in predicting birth weight differed considerably. The most accurate models used 3 or more fetal measurements followed by models using abdominal circumference only. The models developed by Sabbagha et al (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989; 160:854-862) proved most accurate, with a mean percent error of -0.2% and greater than 92% of estimates within 15% of birth weight (P < .05). Nineteen sonographic fetal weight estimation models (82.6%) better predicted fetal weight at 4 to 7 days before delivery (P < .001). Twenty-two (95%) of the models were less accurate at the extreme ends of fetal weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Different formulas for fetal weight estimation vary greatly; we recommend that each center should evaluate the most accurate formula according to its attending population. Estimation of fetal weight performed 4 to 7 days before delivery using most models was more accurate than estimations performed 3 days before delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, 70300 Zerifin, Israel.
authors.forename: Oshri
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Barel
authors.forename: Zvi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Vaknin
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tovbin
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Herman
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maymon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods*; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D020567:Fetal Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*