Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 35-37 weeks' ultrasound for fetal growth restriction (FGR) detection and the impact of 30th-33rd weeks versus 30th-33rd and 35th-37th weeks' ultrasound on perinatal outcomes.
METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1,061 low-risk pregnant women: 513 in the control group (routine ultrasound performed at 30th-33rd weeks) and 548 in the study group (with an additional ultrasound at 35th-37th weeks). FGR was defined as a fetus with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The ultrasound at 35-37 weeks had an overall accuracy of FGR screening of 94%. Spearman's correlation coefficient between EFW and birthweight centile was higher for at 35-37 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.75) compared with 30-33 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.44). The study group had a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (24.4% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.005) and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (16.8% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A later ultrasound (35-37 weeks) had a high accuracy for detection of FGR and had a higher correlation between EFW and birthweight centiles. Furthermore, it was also associated with lower adverse perinatal outcomes compared to an earlier ultrasound.
METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1,061 low-risk pregnant women: 513 in the control group (routine ultrasound performed at 30th-33rd weeks) and 548 in the study group (with an additional ultrasound at 35th-37th weeks). FGR was defined as a fetus with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The ultrasound at 35-37 weeks had an overall accuracy of FGR screening of 94%. Spearman's correlation coefficient between EFW and birthweight centile was higher for at 35-37 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.75) compared with 30-33 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.44). The study group had a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (24.4% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.005) and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (16.8% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A later ultrasound (35-37 weeks) had a high accuracy for detection of FGR and had a higher correlation between EFW and birthweight centiles. Furthermore, it was also associated with lower adverse perinatal outcomes compared to an earlier ultrasound.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 425–433 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 9-10 |
Early online date | 19 Dec 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2023 |
Keywords
- Third trimester screening
- Low-risk pregnancy
- Fetal growth restriction
- Ultrasonography
- Estimated fetal weight
- Adverse perinatal outcome
- Cesarean deliveries
- Nonreassuring fetal status