Russell L. Deter

Estimation of fetal weight with the use of head, body, and femur measurements—A prospective study

In utero estimates of fetal weight were evaluated prospectively in 109 fetuses with the use of sonographic models developed in a previous study. This report confirms that the best in utero weight estimates result from the use of models based on measurements of head size, abdominal size, and femur length. Since the accuracy of these models (1 SD = 7.5%) is significantly better than those based on measurements of head and body (e.g., biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference), we recommend routine use of such models in obstetric sonography.

Longitudinal studies of fetal growth with the use of dynamic image ultrasonography

To characterize the growth of individual fetuses, serial measurements of the crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), and abdominal circumference (AC) were made at specified intervals of 2 to 3 weeks (between 6 to 8 weeks [conceptual age] and delivery) in 20 normal fetuses with known dates of conception. Values for the HC-AC ratio and the estimated fetal weight were also obtained from these data. Measurements of CRL were similar to those reported previously, except in those cases in which the follicular phase was prolonged or the fetal growth potential was reduced. Mathematical modeling demonstrated that the linear-cubic model was optimal for the BPD and HC growth curves, the linear model for the AC, and the linear-quadratic model for fetal weight. The HC-AC ratio could not be modeled adequately because of significant individual variability. Optimal models for average longitudinal growth curves were determined for the BPD, HC, AC, and fetal weight from individual growth curves. These average longitudinal curves were similar in shape, mean values, and variability to those obtained in previous cross-sectional studies. Statistical analysis indicated that the coefficients of the average longitudinal curves are not likely to change by more than 5% to 15% if the size of the sample is increased very significantly. These results indicate that the average longitudinal growth curves are good estimators of the true population growth curves.

Fractional limb volume – a soft tissue parameter of fetal body composition: validation, technical considerations and normal ranges during pregnancy

The main goals were to provide normal reference ranges for fractional limb volume as a new index of generalized fetal nutritional status, to evaluate the reproducibility of fractional fetal limb volume measurements during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and to demonstrate technical considerations for this technique.

Individualized growth assessment of fetal soft tissue using fractional thigh volume

The main goals of this study were to introduce fractional thigh volume (TVol) as a new soft tissue parameter for fetal growth evaluation, define its relationship to menstrual age, and develop individualized fetal growth standards based on Rossavik growth models.

Fetal growth parameters and birth weight: their relationship to neonatal body composition.

The main goal was to investigate the relationship between prenatal sonographic parameters and birth weight in predicting neonatal body composition.

New Fetal Weight Estimation Models Using Fractional Limb Volume

The main goal of this study was to determine the accuracy and precision of new fetal weight estimation models, based on fractional limb volume and conventional two‐dimensional (2D) sonographic measurements during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Prospective validation of fetal weight estimation using fractional limb volume.

To prospectively validate the use of fractional limb volume measurements for estimated fetal weight (EFW) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and to summarize the medical literature regarding application of fractional limb volume for fetal weight estimation.