Evaluation of the measurement of the fetal fat layer, interventricular septum and abdominal circumference percentile in the prediction of macrosomia in pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the measurement of the fetal abdominal fat layer (FFL), cardiac interventricular septum (IVS) and abdominal circumference (AC) percentile in the early third trimester as predictors of macrosomia at birth in the fetuses of women with gestational diabetes. Methods: Ninety patients attending the hospital's special diabetic clinic were recruited prospectively. FFL and IVS were measured in addition to the routine biometry in the early third trimester. AC was measured routinely and AC percentile was determined from established antenatal charts. These measurements were then assessed as predictors of macrosomia. Results: A fetal fat layer of ≥ 5 mm was the most useful predictor of macrosomia at term as assessed using the likelihood ratio. An AC ≥ 90th percentile, however, had a better sensitivity. Conclusion: The usefulness of routine FFL measurement in the early third trimester in the management of diabetic pregnancies is worthy of further evaluation. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.