[Prediction of fetal macrosomia using sonographically measured abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical value of sonographically measured abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (SCTAd) in prediction of large for gestational age in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 256 pregnant women with gestational and pregestational diabetes mellitus longitudinally from 24th week of gestation until delivery. In all cases sonography was performed, and abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness was assessed. After delivery the entire examined group was divided into two groups. The first group comprised mothers who delivered newborns with birth weight above 90th percentiles, and the second group comprised mothers who delivered newborns with birth weight between 10th and 90th percentiles.

RESULT

Based on statistical analyses SCTAd was bigger in Group I than Group II (p. < 0.01) at the beginning of the 31st week of gestation. Based on ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves we estimated that 5 mm thickness of abdominal subcutaneous tissues differentiate AGA (appropriate for gestational age) and LGA groups with 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

1/Use of the SCTAd permitted diagnosis of asymmetric fetal overgrowth complicated by diabetes mellitus since 31st week of gestation 2/5 mm of abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness allowed differentiate AGA and LGA with 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity in term pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus.