A correlative study of the various gestational age parameters of our local population on ultrasound

Abstract

Obstetrical ultrasound, with time, has become an integral part of the management of ante-natal patients. The basis of this examination is the measurement of the gestational parameters. Many studies have been formulating gestational determine fetal age. The purpose of this study was to determine differences, if any, which may exist between this research and those carried out previously on other ethnic groups. This was a prospective study of 400 patients at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, who had normal, uncomplicated pregnancies. A total of 981 measurements were taken which consisted of the gestational sac (51), Crown-rump length (71), Abdominal Circumference (282), femur length (285) and Bi-parietal diameter (292) Tables were formulated showing the number of observations, the mean and standard deviations of each measurement, at each week of gestation. The tables were compared to other published data. A significant result was found if the p value was more than 0.05. Lower mean values were observed in this study when compared to those gestational age tables derived from research in other countries. These differences could be attributed to environmental factors, genetics, socio-economic status and literacy levels. Considering these differences, there appears to be a need for a comprehensive large scale study with an aim to formulate nomograms for our local population.