Abstract
Objectives
To develop charts for fetal brain cortical structures following a proposed standardized methodology and using quantile regression.
Methods
Prospective cross-sectional study including 344 low-risk singleton pregnancies between 19 and 34 weeks of gestation. The depth of Sylvian (SF), Parieto-occipital (POF) and Calcarine fissures (CF) were measured on ultrasound images using a standardized technique and their changes were evaluated by quantile regression as a function of gestational age (GA) interval or head circumference (HC).
Results
The measurements of SF, POF and CF depth significantly increased with gestation. Linear models better described the changes of cortical variables with GA and HC. When the fit of sulci depth with GA and HC were compared, a close relationship was highlighted for the latter variable.
Conclusions
We provided prospective charts of fetal cortical development using quantile regression and following a strict standardized methodology These new charts may help in better identifying cases at higher risk of abnormal cortical neurodevelopment.
Funding source: Italian Ministry of University and Research
Award Identifier / Grant number: PE00000006 MNESYS PNRR
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Research ethics: The study was approved by our Institutional Ethical Board (May. 31st 2022 Protocol n° 110/2022).
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Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study, or their legal guardians or wards.
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Author contributions: All Authors provided a substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published; agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Competing interests: The authors state no competing of interest.
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Research funding: The study was supported by a grant of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR PE00000006 MNESYS PNRR).
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Data availablity: Data available on reasonable request.
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Supplementary Material
This article contains supplementary material (https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2023-0176).
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