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Reference values for fetal limb biometry at 10-14 weeks of gestation
P De Biasio1, F Prefumo, P B Lantieri
1U.O. di Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Istituto G. Gaslini, Università di Genova, Italy. bnhdeb@tin.it
Summary
Fetal limb measurements using transabdominal ultrasound show strong correlation with crown-rump length in early gestation. These reference ranges aid in early diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasias.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Accurate fetal measurements are crucial for assessing growth and development.
- Early detection of skeletal abnormalities can improve perinatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for fetal limb measurements (humerus, ulna, femur, tibia, foot) via transabdominal ultrasound.
- To correlate these measurements with crown-rump length (CRL) between 10-14 weeks of gestation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 606 normal fetuses examined by a single observer.
- Transabdominal ultrasound was used to measure fetal limb lengths and crown-rump length (CRL).
- Intraobserver repeatability was assessed in 26 fetuses.
Main Results:
- High success rates (93.2%-97.9%) for obtaining ultrasound measurements.
- Significant correlations were found between CRL and all measured limb lengths (humerus, ulna, femur, tibia, foot).
- Intraobserver variability showed coefficients of variation from 7.9% to 10.0% and intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.89 to 0.94.
Conclusions:
- Fetal limb length is strongly correlated with crown-rump length in early pregnancy.
- Established reference ranges can assist in the early diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasias.
- Transabdominal ultrasound provides reliable fetal limb measurements for clinical use.