Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Accurate gestational age estimation during the second and third trimesters remains challenging, This study evaluates fetal kidney length (FKL) as a reliable marker for estimating gestational age during the second and third trimesters. This prospective study was conducted involving 100 healthy singleton pregnant women with normal ultrasound findings, ranging from 20‐39 weeks of gestation. Fetal kidney length was measured in the sagittal plane using a 3.5 MHz transducer, ensuring full visualization of the kidney, including the renal pelvis. Standard fetal biometric parameters, including biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), head circumference (HC) and abdominal circumference (AC), were also recorded. The right and left kidney lengths were compared and the combined kidney length was analyzed against gestational age. The study demonstrated a significant linear increase in mean fetal kidney length with advancing gestational age. The mean combined kidney length was strongly correlated with gestational age (r=0.89, p<0.001), with similar high correlations observed for BPD (r=0.86, p<0.001), HC (r=0.85, p<0.001), FL (r=0.84, p<0.001) and AC (r=0.83, p<0.001). The regression analysis revealed that fetal kidney length is a significant predictor of gestational age, with a regression coefficient (ß) of 0.455 (p<0.001) for combined kidney length. Fetal kidney length is a reliable marker for estimating gestational age in the second and third trimesters. The linear growth pattern of fetal kidneys provides a valuable biometric parameter that can enhance the accuracy of gestational age assessments, particularly in cases where other measures may be less reliable.
How to cite this article:
Dharshika , Sathish Babu and Rohit . Fetal Kidney Size and Gestational Age Estimation: Enhancing Accuracy in Prenatal Ultrasound Assessment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2025.3.27.33
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/makrjms.2025.3.27.33