HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by SABBAGHA, R. E. Articles by ORGILL, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by SABBAGHA, R. E. Articles by ORGILL, J.

Sonar BPD and Fetal Age

Definition of the Relationship

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Abstract

A large mixed population of pregnant women was studied by sonography in an attempt to define the relation between sonar biparietal diameter (BPD) and fetal age. In the interval of 20-29 weeks, fetal maturity can be predicted from BPD by linear regression, with a maximal deviation from the mean of 11 days in 95% of the population. The use of regression analysis, however, is not statistically feasible in estimating fetal maturity after 29 weeks. A different method is presented in which third trimester BPD values are used to assign precise probabilities to the estimates of fetal age. This approach transforms the sonar gestational age for this later period into a clinically meaningful parameter. Sonographic study of all highrisk pregnancies is recommended between 20- 25 weeks. Such early evaluation establishes fetal age and permits easier differentiation of dysmaturity if growth retardation occurs in the latter part of pregnancy.