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Measuring the fetal kidney with ultrasonography
J E Scott1, B Wright, G Wilson
1Northern Regional Maternity Survey Office, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK.
British Journal of Urology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Fetal kidney size can be accurately measured and correlated with gestational age. However, fetal renal pelvis size is less predictable, with >5 mm prompting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Fetal medicine
- Pediatric nephrology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Accurate fetal kidney measurements are crucial for prenatal diagnosis.
- Establishing normal ranges aids in identifying potential abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal fetal kidney dimensions and their correlation with gestational age.
- To assess the predictability of fetal renal pelvis size.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of fetal kidney external and internal dimensions in 810 women.
- Analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data from 2294 measurement episodes.
- Correlation of measurements with gestational age and post-natal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fetal kidney external dimensions strongly correlate with gestational age, allowing for growth chart construction.
- Fetal renal pelvis dimension showed a weak correlation with gestational age.
- 92.7% of fetuses had a renal pelvis dimension < 5 mm; persistent dilatation >5 mm was noted in 53.3% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Fetal kidney growth can be reliably assessed by gestational age.
- Fetal renal pelvis size is not reliably predicted by gestational age.
- A fetal renal pelvis dimension >5 mm warrants detailed post-natal urological evaluation.
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