title: Comparison of ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight and actual birthweight performed by residents in training at the university hospital of the west indies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the correlation of ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight and actual birthweight and the impact of the level of resident's training on the results.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study of 90 women with term pregnancies. Ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated by a preprogrammed Hadlock formula. Days from ultrasound to delivery were less than seven. The EFW was compared to the actual birthweight at delivery. The year of training of the resident that performed the ultrasound was recorded. Exclusion criteria included Diabetes mellitus and known fetal anomalies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age was 28 years, parity zero to four, mean gestational age 38 weeks. There was an average over-estimation of 64.8 grams. The difference between mean EFW and mean BWT was not significant (p = 0.067). The difference between mean EFW and mean BWT when calculated according to year of residency was not significant, p = 0.075 and 0.402 for junior and senior residents, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is good correlation between resident's ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight and actual birthweight at the UHWI. There was no significant difference in correlation between senior and junior residents. Development in computer technology might contribute to decrease in the learning curve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simms-Stewart
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: DaCosta
authors.affiliation: Dean's Office, Faculty of Medical Sciences The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.affiliation: Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, Tropical Metabolism Research Institution, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reids