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Foot length in fetuses with abnormal growth
N B Meirowitz1, C V Ananth, J C Smulian
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/St. Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0591, USA.
Summary
Fetal foot length is a reliable indicator of gestational age, but growth abnormalities can affect its accuracy. This study highlights limitations in using foot length for dating fetuses with abnormal growth patterns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Sonographic fetal foot length is a widely used parameter for estimating gestational age.
- Its reliability in cases of abnormal fetal growth requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of sonographic fetal foot length in predicting gestational age among fetuses with abnormal growth (small- and large-for-gestational-age).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 5372 singleton fetuses (15-37 weeks gestation) to create a fetal foot length nomogram.
- Fetal foot lengths of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses were plotted on the nomogram to evaluate deviations from expected percentiles.
Main Results:
- Among 586 SGA fetuses, 60.6% had foot lengths below the 10th percentile.
- Of 744 LGA fetuses, 29.4% had foot lengths above the 90th percentile.
- These findings indicate that fetal foot length is influenced by both growth restriction and accelerated growth.
Conclusions:
- Fetal foot length demonstrates limitations in gestational age assessment for fetuses exhibiting growth abnormalities.
- Clinicians should exercise caution when using fetal foot length for dating in the presence of SGA or LGA fetuses.