On The Determination of Gestational Age of Foetuses In-Utero

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

On The Determination of Gestational Age of Foetuses In-Utero

Arimie Christopher O. ¹*, Onwuegbuchu Ebere O².
¹Department of Radiology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
²Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria.
*Corresponding author

Abstract: Background: Accurate measurements of bi-parietal diameter (BPD) and femoral length (FL) is key to developing acceptable nomograms for assessing gestation age (GA).
Aim and Objective: To determine which sonographic biometric parameters, BPD and FL gives a more accurate GA of foetuses in-utero.
Methodology: Linear regression models were fitted to the BPD, FL and GA data obtained in-utero with ultrasound scanner. The models were tested for equality. The GA obtained in second and third trimester using BPD and FL respectively, were compared for significant difference. BPD and FL nomograms were generated.
Results: The difference in mean GA using BPD and FL is not significant in second trimester (p = 0.612) but significant in third trimester (p = 0.001). The nomograms showed GA of 13 weeks when BPD is 25.4 mm, 40.0 weeks when BPD is 101.9 mm; 13 weeks when FL is 11.6 mm and 40.0 weeks when FL is 82.1 mm.
Conclusion: FL is more accurate for GA determination especially, in third trimester. BPD and FL are useful for assessing foetal growth/anomalies, and determining GA of foetuses with high degree of accuracy.

Keywords: Accurate measurement, equality test, gestational age, bi-parietal diameter, femoral length, nomogram.

I. INTRODUCTION

Determining gestation age is an integral part of antenatal care. Knowledge of gestational age gives one an idea of the expected date of delivery and helps one to better manage the pregnancy and plan for the delivery of the baby. It also helps the gravid mother to better prepare for the arrival of the baby. Sonography is the diagnostic tool of choice for in-utero assessment of foetal wellbeing and gestational age (GA). This is largely owing to the fact that it is relatively safe, it is reliable, cost effective, available and easily accessible. Although issues of concern regarding damage to tissues from heat or cavitation from ultrasound energy have been raised, randomized clinical trials show no significant difference in developmental, neurological, or psychosocial outcome [1]. In-utero foetal assessment involves measurement of some biometric parameters. The biometric parameters commonly used in assessing fetal wellbeing and gestational age (GA) include Biparietal diameter (BPD), Head Circumference (HC), Occipito-Frontal Diameter

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