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Published on: June 29, 2013
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Fetal growth standards for Somali population.
Hiba J Mustafa1, Katelyn M Tessier1, Lauren A Reagan1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Summary
Fetal growth standards differ significantly for Somali pregnancies compared to other ethnic groups. Developing race/ethnicity-specific standards can improve accuracy in assessing fetal size and reduce misdiagnoses of small-for-gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Population health
Background:
- Accurate fetal size assessment is crucial for optimal prenatal care.
- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 2015 study highlighted significant race/ethnicity differences in estimated fetal weight (EFW) after 20 weeks.
- Anecdotal observations suggested a higher proportion of small-for-gestational age diagnoses in the Somali population within a Minnesota maternal fetal medicine practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model fetal growth standards for a healthy Somali population between 16 and 40 weeks gestation.
- To compare these Somali-specific growth patterns with existing NICHD standards for White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian fetuses.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed ultrasound data from 527 low-risk Somali pregnancies between 2011 and 2017.
- Included were 1107 scans from women aged 18-40 with confirmed dating via first-trimester ultrasound.
- Exclusion criteria focused on maternal, fetal, or obstetrical conditions known to affect fetal growth.
Main Results:
- Estimated fetal weight (EFW) in Somali pregnancies showed significant differences at various gestational points compared to NICHD ethnic groups.
- Somali fetuses had significantly larger EFW at 18 weeks but smaller EFW at later gestations (e.g., 32-39 weeks) compared to some groups.
- Abdominal circumference was significantly smaller, while femur and humerus length were longer in Somali fetuses compared to other ethnic groups. Biparietal diameter was smaller at 18 and 32 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in fetal growth standards exist between the Somali population and other ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, Hispanic) from 16 to 40 weeks gestation.
- Implementing race/ethnicity-specific fetal growth standards enhances evaluation precision.
- Tailored standards may decrease the rate of small-for-gestational age diagnoses in the Somali population.
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