The Significance of Three Dimensional Soft Tissue Markers in Estimating Fetal Weight Among Iraqi women; A Cross-Sectional Study

Fetal Weight by fractional thigh volume

Abstract

Background  Estimating fetal weight (EFW) is essential for safeguarding laboring mothers and newborns. Higher birth weight is associated with poor delivery outcomes; earlier detection is crucial to improve the outcome. Current use of a two-dimensional ultrasonic shows limitations, especially among higher birth weight and those in the late third trimester. We aimed to examine whether the fractional thigh volume (FTV), a three-dimensional ultrasonic parameter, can predict fetal birth weight at 38-42 weeks.

Methods A cross-sectional study recruited 80  pregnant women who fulfilled the criteria; at University Hospital from June 2018 for 14 months. Patients were referred cases for labor induction. Women were assessed by clinical and obstetrical examination. A three-dimensional ultrasound evaluated FTV at the labor ward; 24-48 hours before delivery. Maternal demographics, an indication of admission, and outcomes were recorded. After delivery, the infants' actual birth weight was recorded.

Results The actual birth weight versus EFW by FTV was 3438.01 ±693.04 vs. 3548.47±706.71 grams. A third-degree polynomial equation highlighted the correlation between the EFW by FTV versus actual birth weight. ANOVA tested the equation accuracy, as  F-ratio was 299.58, P value< 0.0001. The concordance correlation coefficient was 0.95.

Conclusion, the strong correlations of  FTV in predicting fetal weight with a substantial concordance agreement, besides its simplicity and rapid examination time, especially when incorporated into commercial software, makes FTV a recommended marker for predicting EFW.