ESTIMATION OF FETAL GROWTH BY SONOGRAPHY USING PLACENTAL THICKNESS.

Background: The placenta is a discoid shaped fetal organ that exhibits important metabolic, endocrine and immunological functions. The placenta is one of the most important but unfortunately often ignored organ. Traditionally, fetal dimensions are used sonographically to assess fetal growth. These parameters are adversely affected by insufficient nutrients reaching the fetus. One of the many pitfalls reported is the decreased accuracy of these parameters as the gestational age advances. Placental thickness is very much related to fetal development and may be a key in perinatal outcome. It is the only independent parameter for prediction of gestational age. It also can contribute to the management of fetus at risk. Measuring placental thickness along with these parameters could be of great value. Aim: This study aims at estimating fetal growth by sonography using placental thickness in Kano metropolis. Methodology: A cross‑sectional study of 400 normal pregnant women with GA between 13 and 39 weeks was conducted at the Murtala Muhammaad Specialist Hospital, Shukrah Diagnostic Center and Sauki Diagnostic Center, from January 2024 to February 2024. All were normal cases of ages between 15 and 46 years old, in the second and third trimesters that came for routine antenatal ultrasound examinations. Patients with history of Diabetes and preeclampsia were excluded from the study. The BPD, and FL, were measured and then correlated with Gestational Age (GA); the placental thickness was measured in the longitudinal section at the level of insertion of umbilical cord using ultrasonography. Result: The mean placental thickness was found to be (3.07 ± 0.79 and 39.2 ± 0.90), in second and third trimester respectively. Values of placental thickness ranges from 3.26 to 4.94 cm in the 3rd trimester and between 1.45 to 3.61 cm in the second trimester. Pearson’s correlation indicated that the correlation value 0.540. Which indicated that the placental thickness and gestational age were moderately correlated. The P-value < 0.01 indicated that the results were highly significant. An equation for gestational age prediction using PT was established. Conclusion: The study established a fairly linear relationship between placental thickness and gestational age. And it also observed a moderate correlation between gestational age and placental thickness of the fetus. Keywords: Placental thickness, Gestational age, Ultrasound.