Antenatal Estimation of Placental Weight and Its Relationship with Adverse Fetal Outcome

This study aimed to estimate placental weight (EPW) antenatally in the third trimester and to evaluate its role in predicting adverse fetal outcome.

A total of 190 antenatal women from 28 to 40 weeks of gestation, expected to deliver within 72 hours of examination, were included. The placental length, breadth, thickness, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were noted in ultrasound. After delivery, the placental dimensions, including fetal weight, were recorded. The fetal outcome was noted. Multivariate regression was used for antenatal EPW calculation, and its correlation with actual placental weight (APW) was done.

The mean age of women was 27.9 ± 3.9 years. The mean estimated and actual placental lengths at term were 15.0 ± 2.69 cm (range 9-22.8 cm) and 14.4 ± 2.70 cm (range 8-21.2 cm). The Spearman coefficient of correlation (ρ) between all placental dimensions was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001); the best correlation was observed between EPW and APW (ρ = 0.840). The centile chart of placental weight was drawn using multivariate regression analysis. The EPW and placental length was significantly less at all gestations in cases with adverse fetal outcome compared with normal outcome; however, the area under curve (AUC) for EPW at 30 to 34 weeks was the best (p = 960), taking the EPW cut-off of 345 g; the sensitivity and specificity of predicting adverse fetal outcome were 80 and 100%, respectively.

To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study to attempt antenatal estimation of placental weight, and has shown it to be valuable in predicting adverse fetal outcome.

· Novel study to attempt antenatal estimation of placental weight.. · Third trimester assessment of placental weight was done with good accuracy.. · Placental weight had good accuracy in predicting adverse fetal outcome..