Longitudinal measurement of fetal thigh soft tissue parameters and its role in the prediction of birth weight

Abstract

This study provides reference ranges for thigh fat and muscle at 28 and 37 weeks gestation. The inclusion of fetal thigh fat in the algorithm improves the predictive power for birth weight. This information is important to explore the role of fetal thigh in the detection of aberrant growth.

Estimation of birthweight by measurement of fetal thigh soft‐tissue thickness improves the detection of macrosomic fetuses

“…Recently, the linear measurement of subcutaneous fat and lean mass has been studied longitudinally throughout the third trimester and has shown a significant improvement of predictive power for birthweight . Therefore, new formulas based on linear measurements of soft tissue and parental characteristics may improve the accuracy of the detection of macrosomic fetuses, even by clinicians (obstetricians and midwives) who have limited experience with ultrasonography.…”

Estimation of Fetal Weight during Labor: Still a Challenge

“…Moreover, it includes a measurement of soft tissue, thought to be of great value to evaluate fetal growth deviations as it involves adipose tissue plus lean mass. [15][16][17][18][19] Although previous studies have recently shown the benefits of these linear measurements, particularly mid-thigh STT, 15,[17][18][19][20][21] the advantage of this formula has yet to be established in order it can be routinely used, i.e. in the labor ward, where it could be most useful.…”

Anterior thigh composition measured using ultrasound imaging to quantify relative thickness of muscle and non-contractile tissue: a potential biomarker for musculoskeletal health

“…in muscle thickness with exercise interventions ; thicknesses of the preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat layers during pregnancy (Kinoshita & Itoh, 2006); and foetal thigh soft tissue to predict birth weight (O'Connor et al 2013).…”