Ultrasonographic Fetal Weight Estimation: Should Macrosomia-Specific Formulas Be Utilized?

Abstract

Objective This study aims to derive an estimated fetal weight (EFW) formula in macrosomic fetuses, compare its accuracy to the 1986 Hadlock IV formula, and assess whether including maternal diabetes (MDM) improves estimation.

Study Design Retrospective review of nonanomalous live-born singletons with birth weight (BWT) ≥ 4 kg and biometry within 14 days of birth. Formula accuracy included: (1) mean error (ME = EFW − BWT), (2) absolute mean error (AME = absolute value of [1]), and (3) mean percent error (MPE, [1]/BWT × 100%). Using log_e BWT as the dependent variable, multivariable linear regression produced a macrosomic-specific formula in a “training” dataset which was verified by “validation” data. Formulas specific for MDM were also developed.

Results Out of the 403 pregnancies, birth gestational age was 39.5 ± 1.4 weeks, and median BWT was 4,240 g. The macrosomic formula from the training data (n = 201) had associated ME = 54 ± 284 g, AME = 234 ± 167 g, and MPE = 1.6 ± 6.2%; evaluation in the validation dataset (n = 202) showed similar errors. The Hadlock formula had associated ME = −369 ± 422 g, AME = 451 ± 332 g, MPE = −8.3 ± 9.3% (all p < 0.0001). Diabetes-specific formula errors were similar to the macrosomic formula errors (all p = NS).

Conclusions With BWT ≥ 4 kg, the macrosomic formula was significantly more accurate than Hadlock IV, which systematically underestimates fetal/BWT. Diabetes-specific formulas did not improve accuracy. A specific formula should be considered when macrosomia is suspected.

Keywords

macrosomia - estimated fetal weight - macrosomia formula - ultrasound - ultrasound estimate

Note

This research was presented in abstract form at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine; February 2014; New Orleans, LA.

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