Fetal anthropometric features: A post-mortem study of fetuses after the termination of pregnancy for psychosocial reasons between 12 to 20 gestational weeks

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_CC255DFC0EFB
Type
PhD thesis: a PhD thesis.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Fetal anthropometric features: A post-mortem study of fetuses after the termination of pregnancy for psychosocial reasons between 12 to 20 gestational weeks
Author(s)
MUELLER BROCHUT Anne-Claude
Director(s)
De Leval Laurence
Codirector(s)
Rougemont Anne-Laure
Institution details
Université de Lausanne, Faculté de biologie et médecine
Publication state
Accepted
Issued date
2019
Language
english
Abstract
Introduction
Reference ranges in fetal postmortem anthropometric data derive from heterogeneous studies and rely on data obtained after intrauterine fetal death and abortion, which may introduce bias in the reported fetal growth parameters. We report anthropometric findings in fetuses with the least variation due to cause of death or developmental anomalies.
Methods
We analyzed fetuses after the termination of pregnancy for psychosocial reasons. The external measurements, X-ray dimensions, and body and organ weights were recorded as well as the placenta weight. A thorough and standardized postmortem analysis allowed the design of 2 different groups. Group 1 was composed of fetuses (1) born to mothers with no relevant obstetrical history, (2) no X-ray anomaly, (3) no abnormal autopsy findings, and (4) unremarkable placenta histology. An anomaly in any of these 4 entities moved the fetuses to Group 2. For reference ranges and graph construction, a well-designed statistical methodology was applied.
Results
A total of 335 fetuses were analyzed during an 11-year period. Group 1 comprised 232 fetuses aged 12 to 20 gestational weeks, whereas 103 fetuses were considered in Group 2. Comparison between the 2 groups showed almost no differences. Only the Group 1 results were submitted to statistical analysis, and reference ranges and graphs were constructed.
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, we provide in this study the first anthropometric references established from almost normal fetuses, albeit for a limited fetal timeframe.
Keywords
fetal anthropometry, fetal growth, reference ranges, fetal autopsy, organ weights, second trimester
Create date
03/05/2019 13:41
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:46
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