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A survey of current practice in reporting third trimester fetal biometry and Doppler in Australia and New Zealand
Author(s) -
Paoletti Debra,
Smyth Lillian,
Westerway Susan,
Hyett Jon,
Mogra Ritu,
Haslett Stephen,
Peek Michael
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2205-0140
pISSN - 1836-6864
DOI - 10.1002/ajum.12282
Subject(s) - medicine , percentile , obstetrics , growth chart , gestational age , fetal growth , population , third trimester , biophysical profile , fetal weight , fetus , pregnancy , pediatrics , statistics , mathematics , environmental health , biology , genetics
Inconsistent reporting practices in third trimester ultrasound, the choice of reference charts in particular, have the potential to misdiagnose abnormal fetal growth. But this may lead to unnecessary anxiety and confusion amongst patients and clinicians and ultimately influence clinical management. Therefore, we sought to determine the extent of variability in choice of fetal biometry and Doppler reference charts and reporting practices in Australia and New Zealand. Methods Clinicians performing and/or reporting obstetric ultrasound were invited to answer questions about fetal biometry and Doppler charts in a web‐based survey. Results At least four population‐based charts are in current use. The majority of respondents (78%) report the percentile for known gestational age (GA) alongside measurements and 63% using a cut‐off of estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10 th percentile when reporting small for gestational age (SGA) and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR). The thresholds for the use of fetal and maternal Doppler in third trimester ultrasound varied in terms of the GA, EFW cut‐off, and how measures were reported. The majority of respondents were not sure of which Doppler charts were used in their practice. Conclusion This survey revealed inconsistencies in choice of reference chart and reporting practices. The potential for misdiagnosis of abnormal fetal growth remains a significant issue.