Soft tissue thickness measurement in fetal weight estimation

Summary Aim: Ultrasonographic evaluation and estimated birth weight of fetus has become a routine in modern-day obstetrics. Sonographic birth weight estimation before birth has become main diagnosis method to determine the method of delivery. Based on this we tried to show the correlation in between estimated birth weight and soft tissue thickness by using soft tissue parameters in addition to routine fetal sonographic parameters. The purpose of this study is to form a new formula to determine the method of delivery and accuracy rate of ultrasonographic fetal weight in preterm and term pregnancies 48 hours before weight or to show the value of soft tissue thickness in determining the fetal weight. Material and Methods: Voluson 730 Pro brand instrument was used to measure the estimated fetal weight of 231 women with 24.-42.week of singular pregnancy, who referred to Bezmialem Vakif University, Departman of Obstetrics and Gynecology in between July 2018-June 2019 for delivery. After the ultrasonographic measurements were done, women who gave birth in maximum of 48 hours were included to the study. Estimated fetal birth weight was calculated with fetal biometric parameters; biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) using Hadlock formule; in addition to this soft tissue thickness (STT) was calculated with 3 parameters; femur thickness (FT), humerus thickness (HT) and shoulder thickness (ST). Results: With intrapartum ultrasonography of fetus the difference in between estimated birth weight and real-time birthweight right after delivery were checked, as well as the correlation in between interobserver and intraobserver. The correlation in between fetal weight estimation with birth weight and soft tissue thickness were checked. Conclusion: There are maternal – demographic and fetal characteristics that affect the correlation between soft tissue parameters and fetal weight estimation and actual birth weight. Adding soft tissue thickness measurements to fetal biometrics is similar to the Hadlock formula used to estimate fetal weight. More work is needed to develop more successful formulas in predicting fetal weight to suit our society. The formulas X that estimate fetal weight using Fetal soft tissue parameters are promising for use in cases such as developmental retardation and fetal macrozomy in the act of childbirth. Key words: fetal weight estimation, ultrasonography, actual birth weight, soft tissue parameters