Key clinical point: Prenatal standard estimated fetal weight (EFW) z-scores can predict small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses with greater accuracy than abdominal circumference (AC) z-scores and postnatal reference standards.
Major finding: The INTERGROWTH-21st project-derived EFW z-scores showed higher accuracy in identifying fetuses with a birthweight of <10th and <3rd percentiles than AC z-scores (both P < .05) and postnatal standards (both P < .05). The Hadlock group-derived EFW z-scores performed better in identifying fetuses <10th percentiles ( P < .05) and similarly in identifying fetuses <3rd percentile ( P = .344) than AC z-scores, whereas they were more accurate than postnatal standards with both birth-weight percentiles (both P < .05).
Study details: This retrospective study included 406 singleton pregnant women at an increased risk for fetal growth restriction who underwent ultrasound examinations between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation.
Disclosures: The study received no financial support. No conflicts of interest were reported.
Source: Visentin S et al. A prenatal standard for fetal weight improves the prenatal diagnosis of small for gestational age fetuses in pregnancies at increased risk. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022;22:254 (Mar 26). Doi: 10.1186/s12884-022-04545-x