Ultrasonographic evaluation of kidney length and descending colon diameter in normal and intra uterine growth restricted fetus

Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with altered fetal organ development. Ultrasonographic assessment of fetal kidney length and descending colon diameter may serve as reliable markers for differentiating normal and growth-restricted fetuses. Aims: To evaluate and compare fetal kidney length and descending colon diameter in normal and IUGR pregnancies using ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, this prospective observational study was conducted in the Departments of Paediatrics and Radio-Diagnosis at Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. A total of 72 pregnant women (36 normal and 36 IUGR) between 32-36 weeks of gestation were evaluated. Fetal kidney length, descending colon diameter, and derived ratios were measured using ultrasonography. Results: Mean fetal kidney length was significantly lower in IUGR fetuses across all gestational ages (p < 0.001). Estimated fetal weight increased significantly with gestation in normal pregnancies (p < 0.001) but not in IUGR cases (p = 0.065). The DC/AC ratio was significantly higher in IUGR fetuses at 32-33 weeks (0.29±0.02 vs 0.25±0.03; p = 0.014) and 33-34 weeks (p = 0.004), with no significant difference at later gestations.