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Published on: June 29, 2013
Reference values for fetal penile length and width from 22 to 36 gestational weeks
David Danon1, Gadi Ben-Shitrit, Ron Bardin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tiqva, Israel. danondavid@yahoo.com
Insights
This study introduces new reference ranges for fetal penile length and width, aiding in the evaluation of suspected micropenis. These measurements correlate with gestational age and fetal weight, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Fetal development
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Current fetal penile growth references rely on length, with inconsistent measurement techniques.
- Penile width measurement is proposed as a complementary evaluation tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative reference ranges for fetal penile length and width.
- To correlate these measurements with gestational age and estimated fetal weight.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study of 100 male fetuses (22-36 weeks gestation).
- Ultrasound measurements of penile length (tip to base) and width (widest point).
- Calculation of 5th and 95th percentile values for each gestational week.
Main Results:
- Strong correlation found between gestational age and both penile length (R²=0.606) and width (R²=0.683).
- Estimated fetal weight percentile independently influenced penile dimensions.
- High interobserver reliability for both length (0.939) and width (0.909) measurements.
Conclusions:
- Normative reference values for fetal penile length and width (22-36 weeks gestation) are provided.
- These measurements are correlated with gestational age and estimated fetal weight percentile.
- The established reference ranges can assist in evaluating suspected cases of micropenis.
Objective:
Current reference range values for fetal penile growth are based on length measurements. However, methodologies for measuring penile length differ among studies and from the standard technique used in children. We propose that the measurement of penile width may aid in its evaluation. The aim of the study was to create normograms for penile length and width.
Methods:
A prospective cross-sectional design was used. One hundred male fetuses at 22 to 36 gestational weeks were included. On ultrasound examination, penile length was measured from tip to base, where the penis joins the scrotum. Penile width was measured at the widest point across the penis. Reference values for the 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated for each gestational week.
Results:
There was a good correlation between gestational age and penile length (R(2) = 0.606) and width (R(2) = 0.683). The percentile of fetal weight estimation independently affected penile length and width. The interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.939 for length and 0.909 for width.
Conclusion:
Reference range values of fetal penile length and width are presented for 22 to 36 weeks of gestation. These values correlate to gestational age and estimated fetal weight percentile. These reference range measurements may help the evaluation of suspected micropenis.
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