Two-dimensional fetal biometry versus three-dimensional fractional thigh volume for ultrasonographic prediction of birthweight

Abstract

Objective: To develop and validate birthweight prediction models using fetal fractional thigh volume (TVol) in an Indian population, comparing them with existing prediction models developed for other ethnicities.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 131 pregnant women (>36 weeks) attending a tertiary hospital in New Delhi, India, for prenatal care between December 1, 2014, and November 1, 2016. Participants were randomly divided into formulating (n=100) and validation (n=31) groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to generate four models to predict birthweight using various combinations of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonographic parameters and a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonographic parameter (TVol). The best fit model was compared with previously published 2D and 3D models.

Results: The best fit model comprised biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and TVol. This model had the lowest mean percentage error (0.624 ± 8.075) and the highest coefficient of determination (R² =0.660). It correctly predicted 70.2% and 91.6% of birthweights within 5% and 10% of actual weight, respectively. Compared with previous models, attributability for the 2D and 3D models was 0.65 and 0.55, respectively. Accuracy was -0.05 ± 1.007 and -2.54 ± 1.11, respectively.

Conclusion: Models that included TVol provided good prediction of birthweight in the target population.

Keywords: Birthweight prediction; Fractional thigh volume; Three dimensional ultrasound.