Correlation of fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness by ultrasound to predict birth weight

Fetal growth abnormality is associated with changes in the soft tissue mass, which is decreased in growth restricted fetuses and increased in macrosomia.

To correlate fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (FASTT) measured by ultrasound at term and birth weight and to obtain a cut-off value of FASTT to predict large and small for gestational age babies in our population.

FASTT was measured at the anterior 1/3(rd) of abdominal circumference by ultrasound after 36 weeks and weight of the baby measured after birth.

There was positive correlation between FASTT and birth weight. FASTT of 6.25 mm was sensitive to predict large for gestational age (LGA) babies and had a high negative predictive value; FASTT measurement for prediction of small babies with birth weight < 2500 g was not sensitive.

FASTT can be used as an additional indicator to predict large for gestational age babies along with other known birth weight indicators.