Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal macrosomia: a comparison of weight prediction models using computer simulation

Authors: Mongelli, M.¹; Benzie, R.²

Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 26, Number 5, October 2005 , pp. 500-503(4)

Buy & download fulltext article:

The full text article is not available for purchase.

The publisher only permits individual articles to be downloaded by subscribers.

Abstract:

Objective

To assess the frequency of the diagnosis of macrosomia in relation to differing weight estimation formulae in unselected pregnancies.

Methods

Computer modeling techniques were employed. Computer modeling software generated correlated fetal biometry measurements according to published British standards, from 37 to 41 weeks' gestation. For each set of measurements, estimated fetal weights were obtained by a panel of 18 ultrasound weight formulae. The diagnosis of macrosomia was made if the fetal weight estimate was greater than 4500 g. Cohorts of 5000 pregnancies for each week of gestation were studied.

Results

The frequency of diagnosis of macrosomia increased progressively with advancing gestational age, with large increases between 40 and 41 weeks. The type of weight estimation formula had a profound influence on the frequency of diagnosis of macrosomia. Five of the formulae tested almost never returned a weight estimate greater than 4500 g. Three formulae yielded false positive rates in excess of 15%. The Hadlock group of formulae yielded frequencies of 0.3% to 14.6%.

Conclusions

Most formulae tend to over-diagnose macrosomia at term. Intervention rates for suspected fetal macrosomia may be influenced by gestational age at the time of scan and the type of fetal weight estimation formula in use. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: birth-weight prediction; computer modeling; gestational age; macrosomia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/uog.1989

Affiliations: 1: Division of Women and Children's Health, Western Clinical School, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith NSW, Australia 2: Department of Perinatal Ultrasound, Nepean Hospital, Penrith NSW, Australia

Publication date: 2005-10-01

More about this publication?

As of January 2010, this journal will no longer be available on IngentaConnect, please visit Wiley InterScience to arrange continued access to this content
Access this journal at Wiley InterScience
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal macrosomia: a comparison of weight prediction models using computer simulation

Buy & download fulltext article:

Tools

Key

Text size:

Useful pages