DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN FETAL PARTS AS A STANDARDS FOR SONOGRAPHIC FETAL MATURATION ASSESSMENT DURING PREGNANCY
Mamdouh A. El Ashtokhy, Abdalla E. Diab*, Metwally A. Mansoor and Manal M. Morsy
Departments of Anatomy and Embryology and Gynecology and Obstetrics*,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.
Background: Cross-sectional reference charts from ethnic Egyptian population about sonographic development of different fetal parts are not present. Most currently available sonographic growth standards for fetal parts are based on studies from white Caucasian populations. Objective: To construct prospectively reference charts for fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) in Zagazig ethnic Egyptian population using the recommended methodology. Subjects and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study involving 650 women with singleton pregnancies and confirmed gestational age. Each woman was scanned once only, between 13 and 40 completed weeks of gestation, and the following fetal biometric measurements were recorded: biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. For each measurement, regression models were fitted to estimate the mean and standard deviation (SD) at each gestational age. The mean, 5th and 95th percentiles at 18th, 28th, and 38 weeks of gestation were compared with similar ranges of published data from other populations. Results: Fetal charts and reference equations are reported in Zagazig Egyptian population for fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. Equations for dating of pregnancy are presented. Conclusion: Fetal charts, reference equations and percentile charts for development of some fetal parts are now available to ensure good fetal development and accurate dating of pregnancy between 14 and 40 weeks by Egyptian sonographers.
December 2011