Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
Volume 27, Issue 2, Pages 151-155Publisher
THIEME MEDICAL PUBL INC
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234034
Keywords
Placenta; volume; ultrasound; IUFD; IUGR
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Funding
- Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University School of Medicine
- Aloka Co., LTD, Tokyo, Japan
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An abnormally decreased placental weight has been linked to increased perinatal complications, including intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and fetal growth restriction (IUGR). Despite its promise, determining placental weight prenatally using three-dimensional systems is time-consuming and requires expensive technology and expertise. We propose a novel method using two-dimensional sonography that provides an immediate estimation of placental volume. Placental volume was calculated in 29 third-trimester pregnancies using linear measurements of placental width, height, and thickness to calculate the convex-concave shell volume within 24 hours of birth. Data were analyzed to calculate Spearman's rho (r(s)) and significance. There was a significant correlation between estimated placental volume (EPV) and actual placental weight (r(s) = 0.80, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis of preterm gestations (n = 14) revealed an even more significant correlation of EPV to actual placental weight (r(s) = 0.89, p<0.001). Placental weight can be accurately predicted by two-dimensional ultrasound with volumetric calculations. This method is simple, rapid, and accurate, making it practical for routine prenatal care, as well as for high-risk cases with decreased fetal movement and IUGR. Routine EPV surveillance may decrease the rates of perinatal complications and unexpected IUFD.
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