COMPARISON OF THE RELIABILITY OF TRANS-CEREBELLAR DIAMETER AND FETAL KIDNEY LENGTH WITH STANDARD BIOMETRIC INDICES IN ESTIMATING GESTATIONAL AGE

Background and Aims: Accurate estimation of gestational age (GA) is critical in prenatal care, aiding in the management of pregnancies and planning interventions. Traditional methods such as last menstrual period (LMP) and standard biometric indices, including biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL), show limitations in later gestation due to biological variability. Emerging parameters such as fetal kidney length (FKL) and transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) have shown promising reliability for GA estimation. This study compares the accuracy and reproducibility of FKL and TCD with standard biometric indices in singleton pregnancies between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. Methods: This prospective observational study included 150 participants with normal singleton pregnancies, conducted at N.S.C.B. Subharti Medical College, Meerut (2023–2024). Ethical committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Ultrasonography was performed using Samsung HS70A equipment, measuring FKL, TCD, and standard indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: FKL increased linearly from 2.72 cm at 26 weeks to 3.51 cm at 35 weeks, while TCD ranged from 3.12 cm to 4.61 cm. Both showed significant correlations (p < 0.05) with conventional indices. FKL demonstrated minimal variability and high reproducibility, and TCD proved robust under adverse conditions like fetal growth restriction. Conclusion: FKL and TCD are reliable adjuncts for GA estimation, especially when traditional parameters are inconsistent. Their integration into obstetric practice enhances accuracy and clinical decision-making.