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UMBILICAL CORD THICKNESS, THE PROMISING DARK HORSE FOR FETAL WEIGHT ESTIMATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
  • utkarsha agarwal,
  • Pratiksha Gupta
utkarsha agarwal
ESICPGIMSR

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Pratiksha Gupta
POST GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND RESEARCH
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Abstract

Introduction: Fetal weight estimation remains a critical aspect of modern day obstetrics for monitoring the growth of fetus in-utero, specially in a high risk setting. The dilemma in clinical decision-making stems from the lack of accurate methods for fetal weight estimation, particularly in Low and Middle Income Countries. Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of newer method (Umbilical Cord Thickness) of fetal weight estimation with the conventional methods within limited resources. Design: Prospective cohort study Methods: A total of 190 consenting women in early/latent phase of labour were roped in for the study, and fetal weight was estimated for each, using three different available techniques, viz. clinical, conventional ultrasound and newer method, with the help of Johnson’s formula, Dare’s formula, Hadlock’s formula, and Cord circumference regression equation. Mean Percentage Error(MPE) was calculated for each method and a comparative analysis was done. Results: The analysis revealed MPE in decreasing order as: Dare> Johnson> Cord Circumference > Hadlock’s. The sensitivity of cord circumference method and Hadlock’s method was 91.2% and 91.7% respectively. However, both the sensitivity and specificity of Hadlock’s method increased drastically when combined with Umbilical Cord method. Conclusion: Thus, this study advocates the use of Umbilical Cord Circumference for estimation of fetal weight in conjunction with the conventional methods, specially in high risk areas, to reduce perinatal morbidities related to, or resulting from inaccurate fetal weight estimation. Keywords: cord circumference, Hadlock’s method, Fetal weight, Ultrasound