Prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates: screening by fetal biometry at 30-34 weeks

To investigate the value of fetal biometry at 30-34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre-eclampsia (PE).

This was a screening study in 30 849 singleton pregnancies at 30-34 weeks' gestation, comprising 1727 that delivered SGA neonates with a birth weight < 5(th) percentile and 29 122 cases unaffected by SGA, PE or gestational hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal factors and Z-scores of fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) or estimated fetal weight (EFW) had a significant contribution to the prediction of SGA neonates.

Combined screening by maternal characteristics and obstetric history, with Z-scores of EFW at 30-34 weeks, predicted 79%, 87% and 92% of the SGA neonates that delivered < 5 weeks following assessment, with a birth weight < 10(th) , < 5(th) and < 3(rd) percentiles, respectively, at a 10% false-positive rate. The respective detection rates for the prediction of SGA neonates delivering ≥ 5 weeks from the time of assessment were 53%, 58% and 61%. The performance of screening by a combination of Z-scores of fetal HC, AC and FL was similar to that achieved by the EFW Z-score alone.

Combined testing by maternal characteristics and fetal biometry at 30-34 weeks could identify a high proportion of pregnancies that will deliver SGA neonates.