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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo
Published on: November 8, 2018
Prediction of small for gestational age newborns using ultrasound estimated and actual amniotic fluid volume:
Suneet P Chauhan1, Everett F Magann, Dorota A Dohrety
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aurora Health Care, West Allis, Wisconsin, USA.
Background:
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complex problem in modern obstetrics. The presence of oligohydramnios is reported as an important diagnostic and prognostic factor in the management of a pregnancy complicated by IUGR.
Aim:
To determine the predictive accuracy of sonographic and actual amniotic fluid volume (AFV) to identify small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight < 10%).
Methods:
Before amniocentesis, the single deepest pocket (SDP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were obtained. The AFV was determined using a diazo-dye reaction. Thresholds for AFI, SDP and AFV were estimated using receiver-operating curves analysis and areas under the curves were used to assess predictive accuracy of these indices. Likelihood ratios (LR) were obtained.
Results:
Among the 175 newborns, 16% had SGA. Compared to newborns with birthweight > 10%, all AFV indices were significantly lower (P= 0.001, P= 0.001 and P= 0.009 for AFI, SDP and AFV respectively) for SGA. The areas under the curves for all curves < 0.65 and the LR for all thresholds were < 5.0, reflecting poor diagnostic capabilities.
Conclusions:
Despite observed lower AFV indices in SGA, neither sonographic examination nor determination of AFV is a reliable predictor of suboptimal growth.
