Fetal body composition

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight recent developments in the evaluation of fetal growth, focusing on the determination of fetal body composition. The ultimate goal of this area of investigation is to improve predictions of perinatal morbidity and mortality beyond that achieved employing estimated fetal weight as the primary discriminator of the risk associated with abnormal fetal growth.

Recent findings: Several validated techniques have emerged which appear capable of quantifying fetal lean body mass and fat mass. Preliminary investigations suggest that these body composition parameters do distinguish, with a higher degree of precision than estimates of fetal weight alone, clinical influences that contribute to abnormal fetal growth. Studies linking estimates of fetal body composition to improved prediction of perinatal morbidity and mortality are currently limited.

Summary: Quantitative estimates of fetal body composition can currently be achieved with recently developed and validated ultrasound tools. Their utility for the improved prediction of perinatal morbidity and mortality has not yet been rigorously examined.