TRANSVERSE CEREBELLAR DIAMETER AS A PRECISE INDICATOR OF GESTATIONAL AGE
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Keywords
ultrasonography, fetal neuroimaging, gestational age assessment, cerebellar development, obstetric ultrasound, transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD), fetal development assessment, prenatal care
Abstract
Background: Accurately estimating gestational age throughout pregnancy is essential for monitoring fetal growth.To determine gestational age, a variety of techniques and factors have been used, such as ultrasound measurements, clinical examinations, and the previous menstrual cycle. Among these, transverse cerebellar diameter has become a useful indicator for using ultrasonography to determine the foetal gestational age.
Objectives: To explore the utility of TCD measurements in estimating gestational age.
Methodology: The present study was conducted at Qazi Hussain Hospital, Nowshera, in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy at Nowshera Medical College, during the period of February 2023 to August 2023. The study included a cohort of 50 pregnant women who sought antenatal care and underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Qazi Hussain Hospital, Nowshera, during the specified timeframe. The inclusion criteria encompassed pregnant women with gestational ages ranging from 14 to 40 weeks. The participants were categorized into three distinct groups based on their gestational ages: Group A: Pregnant women with gestational ages between 14 to 20 weeks.Group B: Pregnant women with gestational ages between 21 to 30 weeks. Group C: Pregnant women with gestational ages between 31 to 40 weeks.
Results: The TCD mean values for each group were different: Group A had a mean TCD of 17.32 mm, a standard deviation of 2.1 mm, and a range of 13.0 to 21.4 mm (table 1). Group B had a mean TCD of 26.63 mm, a standard deviation of 1.8 mm, and a range of 18.4–35.0 mm. Group C had the greatest mean TCD at 40.73 mm, a standard deviation of 2.3 mm, and a range of 36.0 to 48.4 mm. Importantly, the p-values show the statistical significance of the differences between Groups A, B, and C, highlighting the link between gestational age and TCD.
Conclusion: The finding indicates TCD's potential as a reliable marker for gestational age. TCD measurement's clinical significance lies in its contribution to accurate prenatal care, fetal development assessment, and monitoring pregnancy progression.
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Dr Nighat Ara
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Nowshera Medical College, Nowshera Pakistan
Dr Waqas Ali
Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Nowshera Medical College, Nowshera Pakistan
Dr Ehsan Sayyed
Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, Nowshera Medical College, Nowshera Pakistan
Dr Amna Halima
Assistant Professor Department of Anatomy, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan Pakistan
Dr Aisha Sadaf
Assistant Professor Department of Anatomy, Khyber Medical University Institute of Dental Sciences, Kohat Pakistan
Dr Nadira Hameed
Assistant Professor Department of Anatomy, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi Pakistan