SONOGRAPHIC ESTIMATION OF FETAL LIVER WEIGHT - AN ADDITIONAL BIOMETRIC PARAMETER FOR ASSESSMENT OF FETAL GROWTH

A single fetal ultrasonogram was obtained between the 20th and 40th we eks of gestation in 327 pregnancies. Fetal body weight was calculated with standard methods and fetuses were classified as appropriate for g estational age (303 fetuses), large for gestational age (four fetuses) , or small for gestational age (20 fetuses). Fetal liver weight was es timated on the basis of longitudinal, anteroposterior, and cephalocaud al liver dimensions multiplied by a constant (k) of 0.42 determined ex perimentally in a previous study of adult livers. Estimated liver weig hts in appropriate for gestational age fetuses were not statistically different from published standards based on autopsy findings (P < 0.00 5). Similar findings were obtained in two other normal pregnancies exa mined serially until delivery. Estimation of fetal liver weight appear s to be an accurate and reproducible method and may enhance sonographi c assessment of fetal growth abnormalities and conditions with fetal l iver involvement.