Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: The ultrasonographic machines in our country are still using the Hadlock
standard fetal growth charts and tables as reference for estimation of the gestation age
(GA) of the fetus. Hence, the present study aims to estimate the GA in the second
trimesters using ultrasound scanning of four fetal biometric parameters (biparietal diameter
(BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) at
the local population level.
Objectives: To evaluate the fetal biometric parameters to estimate GA among pregnant
women attending their antenatal care using ultrasound at University of Gondar
comprehensive, specialized Hospital.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 211 pregnant
women selected using a systematic random sampling method. Fetal biometry parameters
data was collected by using an ultrasound. Epi data version 4.6 and Stata 14 were
implemented for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively.
Result: A total of 211 women with a GA range from 13-28 weeks of pregnancy determined
using ultrasound during recruitment were enrolled for the study. The mean estimated GA
of a pregnancy from the last normal menstrual period (LNMP) was 20.53± 3.3 weeks, 95%
CI 20.08-20.97. The comparison of four fetal biometric parameters measurement with
Hadlock chart according to LNMP in13-28 weeks, the difference varies from 0 to 0.26cm
for biparietal diameter (BPD) from 0.02cm to 1.72cm for (HC) from 0.04cm to 2.60cm for
(AC), and from 0.01cm to 0.46cm for (FL).
Conclusion and recommendation: We conclude that multiple fetal biometric parameters
(BPD, HC, AC, and FL) are more accurate in predicting GA than the individual parameter,
and there is a great variation between our study population fetal biometric measurement
and Hadlock reference chart. A further large-scale study should be conducted at the
national level among Ethiopians residing in different parts of the country to generate
population-based reference tables and regression equations for more accurate reporting
of GA.
Keywords; Fetal?biometry; gestational age; Hadlock standard reference charts, biparietal
diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, ultrasound, Ethiopia
