Three-dimensional sonographic measurement of fetal renal volume

Objective The objective of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the growth of the fetal kidney in normal pregnancies using three-dimensional ultrasound.Methods Three-dimensional sonographic examinations were performed on 13 appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Fetal renal volume was measured every 2 to 3 weeks after 20 weeks gestational age until delivery.Results There was a good linear correlation between left and right renal volumes (r = 0.9614, P Conclusion Our findings suggest that fetal renal volume measurement plays a role in assessment of the growth of fetal kidneys. However, we are doubtful about the reproducibility of fetal renal volume measurements made by using three-dimensional ultrasound in utero. Further studies involving larger sample sizes are needed to reevaluate the usefulness and reproducibility of fetal renal volume measurements.