4D Ultrasound of Fetal Facial Expressions in Low and High-Risk Pregnancies as an Indicator of Fetal Neuro-Behavior in Last Trimester
Eman Mohamed Soliman
Radiodiagnosis Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Rasha Ali Saleh
Radiodiagnosis Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Haytham Haroun Elsaed
Radiodiagnosis Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Noha Mohamed Abd Elmaboud
Radiodiagnosis Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The advancement of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound allows for not only greater observation of foetal anatomy but also real-time analysis of foetal behaviour. The goal of this study was to use 4D ultrasonography of foetal facial expressions in the last trimester to assess foetal neuro-behavior in low and high-risk pregnancies.
Methods: This prospective study enrolled 50 pregnant females at their last trimester with high-risk pregnancies and with intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnant females were divided into two equal groups, one was pregnant females with low-risk pregnancy and the other group was pregnant females with high-risk pregnancy. All patients were subjected to full history taking and 2D and 4D ultrasound examination.
Results: Cranial sutures and head circumference, post-partum follow up and total KANET score were significantly different between two groups (P<0.001). Post-partum follow-up and total KANET score of high-risk subgroups were significantly different (P<0.001).
Conclusions: 4D ultrasound is considered now a great tool to evaluate foetal neuro-behaviour in low and high-risk pregnancies and to predict the neurological outcomes through foetal facial expressions in the last trimester.
Keywords: 4D ultrasound, foetal facial expressions, low and high-risk pregnancies, foetal neuro-behaviour