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Accuracy in estimating fetal urinary bladder volume using a modified ultrasound technique
M Fägerquist1, U Fägerquist, H Steyskal
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Elfsborg County Hospital, Trollhättan, Sweden. mats.fagerquist@vgregion.se
Summary
A modified ultrasound technique significantly reduces errors in fetal bladder volume estimation. This improved method enhances accuracy for assessing fetal urine production across different gestational ages.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Fetal medicine
- Quantitative ultrasound
Background:
- Fetal urine production is a key indicator of fetal well-being.
- Conventional ultrasound techniques for estimating fetal bladder volume have limitations.
- Previous studies identified significant variability (17.3-10.9%) in fetal bladder volume estimation due to 'freezing' and 'frozen' errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce the total error in fetal bladder volume estimation.
- To improve accuracy by minimizing 'freezing' and 'frozen' errors using a modified ultrasound approach.
Main Methods:
- A modified manual ultrasound technique, incorporating a 'rocking' motion, was applied to the fetal urinary bladder.
- Images were digitized, and fetal bladder volume was assessed from longitudinal sections.
- Measurements were taken from two patients per gestational week (24-40 weeks) three times within 1 minute and documented on videotape.
Main Results:
- The modified technique reduced the 'freezing error' (SD) to 11.7-5.1% and the 'frozen error' to 8.0-3.0%.
- The total error was reduced to 14.2-5.9% for fetal bladder volumes between 5 and 40 mL.
- Repeatability within 1 minute improved, with SD decreasing from 17.3-10.9% in previous studies to 12.9-5.5%.
Conclusions:
- A modified ultrasound technique effectively reduces variability in fetal bladder volume estimation.
- This enhanced method offers greater accuracy for assessing fetal urine production.