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Improved birth weight table for neonates developed from gestations dated by early ultrasonography
P M Doubilet1, C B Benson, A S Nadel
1Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Summary
Accurate gestational dating using first-trimester ultrasonography improved birth weight percentile tables for newborns. This new reference aids in diagnosing fetal and neonatal growth disorders more precisely.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Existing birth weight percentile tables often lack precise gestational age dating.
- Inaccurate dating can lead to misclassification of fetal and neonatal growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create an improved birth weight percentile table using accurate gestational dating.
- To enhance the diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction and macrosomia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a database of 3718 neonates with first-trimester ultrasonography for dating.
- Applied statistical smoothing and regression to birth weight and gestational age data.
- Developed percentile curves (10th, 50th, 90th) from 25 weeks gestation onwards.
Main Results:
- The new table shows lower 50th and 90th percentile weights at 25-35 weeks gestation compared to previous tables.
- Percentile ranges (10th-90th) are narrower in early preterm infants.
- Higher percentile weights were observed at 39-43 weeks gestation.
Conclusions:
- Birth weight percentiles based on accurate ultrasonography improve gestational age assignment.
- The developed table offers a more precise tool for diagnosing fetal and neonatal growth abnormalities.
- This reference standard is crucial for clinical decision-making in high-risk pregnancies.