3D US Accurately Measures Fetal Bladder Volume
A research team from Korea published study findings which indicate that three dimensional ultrasound can effectively and accurately measure fetal bladder volume. The team also developed a nomogram that details the fetus’s urine production in conjunction with gestational age. The study was published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Previously, two dimensional ultrasound was used to complete this task. Translation of findings to evaluate volume, however, was often inaccurate, as was assessment of fetal urine production.
Measurements were completed with 3D sonography and a software program, Virtual Organ Computer-Aided AnaLysis (VOCAL), which includes a manual surface tracing technique. Bladder size was measured multiple times, with intervals between each measurement. Urine production was calculated by noting the differences in bladder volume across time. This information was then taken to develop a nomogram.
Measurement of fetal urine is used to evaluate for the presence of development abnormalities. Fetal bladder volume can be a surrogate marker for amniotic fluid volume, as there are not currently any means to directly evaluate such. The researchers suggest that these techniques may be appropriate means to predict fetal hypoxia.
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July 31, 2007 Related topics: Imaging, Radiology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology