Accuracy of fetal kidney length measurements in the assessment of gestational age after the 24th week of pregnancy

Abstract EN

Objectives: The study was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of kidney length measurements with ultrasonography in the determination of gestational age after the 24th week of pregnancy.

Methods: This study was performed on 100 pregnant women with accurate dating confirmed by ultrasonography and gestational age ranging between 24 and 38 weeks.

The analyses were based on ultrasound measurements of fetal biometric indices (biparietal diameter and femur length) and kidney length measurements.

The study was performed in the Obstetrical Unit ofAl-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital between September 1999 and September 2000.

Results: A strongly positive linear correlation was found between kidney length and gestational age.

The was stronger than that of other fetal biometric indices.

Conclution : During the second half of pregnancy for women who are seen late and are uncertain of dates, fetal kidney length could be used to estimate gestational age accurately.