Evaluation of fetal kidney length as a marker for fetal biometry

The precise determination of gestational age is essential for effectively managing and prognosis of all pregnancies. Through careful biometry, timely interventions can be implemented, leading to positive outcomes for both the mother and fetus. In routine fetal biometry, parameters such as biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), head circumference (HC), and abdominal circumference (AC) have been traditionally used. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of fetal kidney length (FKL) as a marker for fetal biometry.

This prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Radiodiagnosis and Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments, including a diverse group of pregnant women from various socio-economic backgrounds, with adherence to ethical standards. Women with singleton pregnancies between 22 and 40 weeks of gestation who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were examined through ultrasound. The data collected were subsequently analyzed.

In the current study, 280 participants with an average age of 26.71 ± 3.6 years were included. The agreement between the mean fetal kidney length and standard biometry parameters was almost perfect, with a strength of agreement exceeding 0.99. A strong and statistically significant positive correlation existed between fetal kidney length and the estimated gestational period calculated using DLMP/standard biometric measurements.

Fetal kidney length is a reliable indicator of gestational age and can supplement standard biometric measurements to provide a more precise estimation of gestational age, especially in the later stages when obtaining such standard measurements may be challenging.