OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of small for age fetuses diagnosis by a new method of fetal weight estimation, in comparison with some others models. A retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From a 232 fetuses population, whom age is known, ultrasound measurement have been performed (BPD, TBD, FL, AC and thigh circumference). Three physicians collaborated to data collection. All measurement have been done within a 3 days duration between measuring and birth in order to compare actual and calculated weight. There are 39 small fetuses coming from 10th percentile (17.5%), between then 24 from 5th percentile. RESULTS: Positive predictive value (PPV) of small for age diagnosis (from 10th P) by our model is 74% with a 74% sensibility and a 94% specificity. With Warsof estimation model, the PPV is only 47% with a 71% sensibility and a 83% specificity (p = 0.001). COMMENTS: Limbs subcutaneous fat ultrasound measurement improve considerably fetal weight estimation quality (mean error = 6% vs 10% for most of the classical models) and, as an extension, small for age fetuses diagnosis. The cutaneous and subcutaneous circumferences, between which is situated fat tissue have a better individual correlation to actual weight than abdominal circumference, usually considered as the best trophicity parameter. CONCLUSION: High positive predictive value show long term predictive detection possibility. It appears that this diagnosis could be done earlier with a better accuracy that the classical ultrasound biometry.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of small for age fetuses diagnosis by a new method of fetal weight estimation, in comparison with some others models. A retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From a 232 fetuses population, whom age is known, ultrasound measurement have been performed (BPD, TBD, FL, AC and thigh circumference). Three physicians collaborated to data collection. All measurement have been done within a 3 days duration between measuring and birth in order to compare actual and calculated weight. There are 39 small fetuses coming from 10th percentile (17.5%), between then 24 from 5th percentile. RESULTS: Positive predictive value (PPV) of small for age diagnosis (from 10th P) by our model is 74% with a 74% sensibility and a 94% specificity. With Warsof estimation model, the PPV is only 47% with a 71% sensibility and a 83% specificity (p = 0.001). COMMENTS: Limbs subcutaneous fat ultrasound measurement improve considerably fetal weight estimation quality (mean error = 6% vs 10% for most of the classical models) and, as an extension, small for age fetuses diagnosis. The cutaneous and subcutaneous circumferences, between which is situated fat tissue have a better individual correlation to actual weight than abdominal circumference, usually considered as the best trophicity parameter. CONCLUSION: High positive predictive value show long term predictive detection possibility. It appears that this diagnosis could be done earlier with a better accuracy that the classical ultrasound biometry.