Fawzia A Habib1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fhabib@healthgulf.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to help to predict low birth weight infants by measuring placental diameter and thickness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of 70 consecutive singleton pregnancies to evaluate placental diameter and thickness by ultrasonographic measurement at 36 weeks gestation. The individual data were fitted to a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A "warning limit" of a placental diameter of 18 cm and placental thickness of 2 cm at 36 weeks gestation were calculated to predict low birth weight infants. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic placental diameter and thickness measurements appears to be of prognostic value in identifying the subsequent occurrence of fetal growth retardation.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to help to predict low birth weight infants by measuring placental diameter and thickness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of 70 consecutive singleton pregnancies to evaluate placental diameter and thickness by ultrasonographic measurement at 36 weeks gestation. The individual data were fitted to a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A "warning limit" of a placental diameter of 18 cm and placental thickness of 2 cm at 36 weeks gestation were calculated to predict low birth weight infants. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic placental diameter and thickness measurements appears to be of prognostic value in identifying the subsequent occurrence of fetal growth retardation.