Ultrasonographic evaluation of foetal sacral length measurement as a new parameter for assessment of gestational age
Journal Title: MedPulse -International Medical Journal - Year 2015, Vol 2, Issue 5
Abstract
Aim: This study evaluates the prenatal ultrasonographic measurement of sacral length to assess the gestational age. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cross sectional study 100 cases of gestational age between 15-40 weeks of women aged between 19 36 years were selected after ruling out any abnormality in mother and fetus. At a single sitting biparietal diameter, head circumference, femur length and sacral length were measured. Each parameter recorded, was compared with its standard nomogram. Mean and Correlation tests were applied for analysis and interpretation of the results. Observations: Scatter graphs were plotted for BPD, HC, AC, FL and sacral length with gestational age and their correlation was calculated. Pearson’s coefficient (r2) was equal to 0.988 (P < 0.01), 0.987, 0.996, 0.995, 0.997 respectively. A statistically significant linear correlation was found between the sacral length and gestational age (R2=0.997) indicating it to be a reliable indicator of gestational age. The maximum error in predicting gestational age by sacral length (in cams) was found to be 1.5 weeks and mean error of 0.27 week. Maximum mean error was found with abdominal circumference of 0.42 weeks and second least with sacral length after femur length indicating it to be a reliable indicator. Conclusion: sacral length is independent of fetal head; it can be a useful alternative parameter in conditions where the fetal head is not accessible as in third trimester deeply engaged head or in multiple pregnancies. It is also useful in conditions of femur length deformities along with skull deformity like achondroplasia etc. Therefore, it was concluded that this study has provided normative sacral length measurements throughout pregnancy especially towards the third trimester. Sacral length can be used as a reliable routine parameter and also as an alternative in conditions where other routine parameters are difficult to assess or give incorrect predictions.
Authors and Affiliations
Divya J Tekani, Sreelakshmi Udutha, Sonal Kulshreshtha
Keywords
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