title: Correlation of fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness by ultrasound to predict birth weight.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fetal growth abnormality is associated with changes in the soft tissue mass, which is decreased in growth restricted fetuses and increased in macrosomia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To correlate fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (FASTT) measured by ultrasound at term and birth weight and to obtain a cut-off value of FASTT to predict large and small for gestational age babies in our population.
  
  
  METHODS
  FASTT was measured at the anterior 1/3(rd) of abdominal circumference by ultrasound after 36 weeks and weight of the baby measured after birth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was positive correlation between FASTT and birth weight. FASTT of 6.25 mm was sensitive to predict large for gestational age (LGA) babies and had a high negative predictive value; FASTT measurement for prediction of small babies with birth weight < 2500 g was not sensitive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FASTT can be used as an additional indicator to predict large for gestational age babies along with other known birth weight indicators.
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College , Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Rajeshwari G
authors: RG
authors: Bhat
authors: Private Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital Banglore, Karnataka, India .
authors: Anitha
authors: A
authors: Nathan
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College , Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Amar
authors: A
authors: R
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College , Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Akhila
authors: A
authors: Vasudeva
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College , Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Prashanth
authors: P
authors: Adiga
authors: Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr TMA Pai Hospital , Udupi, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Parvati V
authors: PV
authors: Bhat
authors: Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College , Manipal University, Manipal Karnataka, India .
authors: Pratap
authors: P
authors: Kumar N
keywords: Birth weight; Fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness; Ultrasound