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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Fetal age assessment based on 2nd trimester ultrasound in Africa and the effect of ethnicity

Authors: Daniel Salpou, Torvid Kiserud, Svein Rasmussen, Synnøve Lian Johnsen

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

The African population is composed of a variety of ethnic groups, which differ considerably from each other. Some studies suggest that ethnic variation may influence dating. The aim of the present study was to establish reference values for fetal age assessment in Cameroon using two different ethnic groups (Fulani and Kirdi).

Methods

This was a prospective cross sectional study of 200 healthy pregnant women from Cameroon. The participants had regular menstrual periods and singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, and were recruited after informed consent. The head circumference (HC), outer-outer biparietal diameter (BPDoo), outer-inner biparietal diameter and femur length (FL), also called femur diaphysis length, were measured using ultrasound at 12–22 weeks of gestation. Differences in demographic factors and fetal biometry between ethnic groups were assessed by t- and Chi-square tests.

Results

Compared with Fulani women (N = 96), the Kirdi (N = 104) were 2 years older (p = 0.005), 3 cm taller (p = 0.001), 6 kg heavier (p < 0.0001), had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), but were not different with regard to parity. Ethnicity had no effect on BPDoo (p = 0.82), HC (p = 0.89) or FL (p = 00.24). Weight, height, maternal age and BMI had no effect on HC, BPDoo and FL (p = 0.2–0.58, 0.1–0.83, and 0.17–0.6, respectively).
When comparing with relevant European charts based on similar design and statistics, we found overlapping 95% CI for BPD (Norway & UK) and a 0–4 day difference for FL and HC.

Conclusion

Significant ethnic differences between mothers were not reflected in fetal biometry at second trimester. The results support the recommendation that ultrasound in practical health care can be used to assess gestational age in various populations with little risk of error due to ethnic variation.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Fetal age assessment based on 2nd trimester ultrasound in Africa and the effect of ethnicity
Authors
Daniel Salpou
Torvid Kiserud
Svein Rasmussen
Synnøve Lian Johnsen
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-8-48

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