Fetal transverse cerebellar diameter in Thai population

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Prenatal Ultrasound
• Fetal Development

Background:

• Accurate gestational dating is crucial for optimal prenatal care and management.
• Existing fetal growth charts may not fully represent diverse ethnic populations.
• Transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) is a reliable parameter for estimating gestational age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a specific nomogram for transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) in Thai fetuses.
• To establish a reference range for TCD measurements in relation to gestational age for the Thai population.
• To provide a tool for improved gestational dating in Thai pregnancies, particularly those with suspected aberrant fetal growth.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 153 normal pregnant Thai women in their first trimester.
• Gestational age was confirmed using last menstrual period and early ultrasound.
• Transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) measurements were collected from 14 to 40 weeks of gestation, totaling 699 scans.
• Data were analyzed to derive a best-fit mathematical model for TCD growth.

Main Results:

• A progressive increase in TCD was observed with advancing gestational age in Thai fetuses.
• The derived nomogram demonstrated TCD growth patterns specific to the Thai population.
• A slight difference in growth rate compared to Western studies was noted after 28 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions:

• The developed TCD nomogram provides a valuable tool for accurate gestational dating in Thai fetuses.
• This ethnic-specific reference can enhance the detection and management of fetal growth abnormalities.
• The findings support the use of TCD as a reliable indicator of gestational age across different populations.