Oluwafemi Olumide Egbeyemi, Anthony Chukwuka Ugwu and Michael Promise Ogolodom
Background: Foetal Ponderal Index (FPI) is normally used to determine “proportionality” in small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants, as it is a weight- height related parameter. Aim: We aimed to establish the normal values of FPI using ultrasound scan and determine its relationship with placenta volume and maternal body mass index (BMI). Materials and methods: A prospective cross sectional study design was adopted. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited using purposive sampling technique. The ultrasound examinations were performed with 3.5 MHz sector transducer of a SL1 Sonoline Siemen machine. Placenta volume (PV), Maternal BMI and FPI was estimated for each subject. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between variables studied. Results: Normal singleton fetuses had mean FPI range from 10.78 ± 3.19 g/cm3 in the second trimester to 9.75 ± 1.66 g/cm3 in the third trimester. There were significant correlations between FPI and PV (r=-0.680; p=0.000) and (r=-0.410; p=0.000) in the second and third trimesters. Significant correlation was also noted between FPI and maternal BMI in the second and third trimesters (r=0.156; p=0.041) and (r=-0.268; p=0.000). Conclusion: Nomogram of estimated FPI in the second and third trimesters was derived in this study. The relationship between the FPI and PV is negative, while that of FPI and maternal BMI is both positive and negative in the second and third trimesters respectively.
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