O'Connor Clare, O'Higgins Amy, Doolan Anne, Segurado Ricardo, Stuart Bernard, Turner Michael J, Kennelly Máireád M
Ultrasound and Fetal Medicine Centre, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Fetal Diagn Ther. 2014;36(1):44-8. doi: 10.1159/000360417. Epub 2014 Jun 6.
The objective of this investigation was to study fetal thigh volume throughout gestation and explore its correlation with birth weight and neonatal body composition. This novel technique may improve birth weight prediction and lead to improved detection rates for fetal growth restriction.
Fractional thigh volume (TVol) using 3D ultrasound, fetal biometry and soft tissue thickness were studied longitudinally in 42 mother-infant pairs. The percentages of neonatal body fat, fat mass and fat-free mass were determined using air displacement plethysmography. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed.
Linear regression analysis showed an association between TVol and birth weight. TVol at 33 weeks was also associated with neonatal fat-free mass. There was no correlation between TVol and neonatal fat mass. Abdominal circumference, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and EFW centile showed consistent correlations with birth weight. Thigh volume demonstrated an additional independent contribution to birth weight prediction when added to the EFW centile from the 38-week scan (p = 0.03).
Fractional TVol performed at 33 weeks gestation is correlated with birth weight and neonatal lean body mass. This screening test may highlight those at risk of fetal growth restriction or macrosomia.
本研究的目的是在整个孕期研究胎儿大腿体积，并探讨其与出生体重及新生儿身体组成的相关性。这项新技术可能会改善出生体重预测，并提高胎儿生长受限的检测率。
对42对母婴进行纵向研究，使用三维超声测量大腿体积分数（TVol）、胎儿生物测量指标及软组织厚度。采用空气置换体积描记法测定新生儿体脂、脂肪量及去脂体重的百分比。进行相关性分析和线性回归分析。
线性回归分析显示TVol与出生体重之间存在关联。33周时的TVol也与新生儿去脂体重相关。TVol与新生儿脂肪量之间无相关性。腹围、估计胎儿体重（EFW）及EFW百分位数与出生体重呈现一致的相关性。当将38周扫描的EFW百分位数与大腿体积相结合时，大腿体积对出生体重预测显示出额外的独立贡献（p = 0.03）。
孕33周时测量的大腿体积分数与出生体重及新生儿瘦体重相关。这项筛查试验可能会识别出有胎儿生长受限或巨大儿风险的人群。
