[Anatomical measurements during fetal growth of the kidney. Its value for the ultrasonographer and the anatomo-pathologist (author's transl)].

The rate of growth of the kidneys was analysed by examining 390 anatomical specimens that had been taken from premature babies or stillbirths at term, or had been carefully selected. The gestational ages ranged from 26 to 41 weeks of amenorrhoea. Statistical analysis of the results has led to the ability to establish significant correlations between the length of the fetus and its weight and relationship to the growth in weight, and throughout the three dimensions of fetal kidneys. Some measurements have been made on 8 fetuses between 14 and 24 weeks. The comparison of the numerical figures that have been obtained with the histological appearances has made it possible to work out the steps of the development of the kidney in utero. This organ, even in the case of a small-for-dates fetus, is good evidence of the gestational age of the fetus. By collecting all these observations together they could contribute to a better appreciation of the growth of the kidney viewed by ultrasound and to quantifying better the pathological abnormalities that can occur during its development.