Obstetrics | Fetal growth disorders - detection, decision and outcomes (cont.)
Tracks
Central C | Virtual
Obstetrics
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM |
| Central Rm C | Ground Floor |
Speaker
Ms Alana Nieuwenbroek
Senior Sonographer
Haven Women's Ultrasound Care Specialists
Doppler in FGR - understanding the indices **NEW VOICE**
9:30 AM - 9:50 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) contributes significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality, and Doppler ultrasound is vital in its assessment. Doppler assessment provides an understanding of placental function and fetal haemodynamic adaptation, which helps to support clinical decision making.
This presentation will examine the physiological basis and interpretation of the Doppler indices used in FGR; the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio, and ductus venosus. Umbilical artery Doppler will be discussed as an indicator of placental resistance, particularly in early onset FGR. The middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and the cerebroplacental ratio will be discussed as markers of redistribution in the fetal circulation, and the ductus venosus will be presented as an indicator of imminent fetal decompensation and impaired cardiac function.
By demonstrating the haemodynamic significance of each Doppler parameter, this lecture aims to enhance sonographer’s understanding of Doppler findings and their relevance within the clinical scenario of FGR.
This presentation will examine the physiological basis and interpretation of the Doppler indices used in FGR; the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio, and ductus venosus. Umbilical artery Doppler will be discussed as an indicator of placental resistance, particularly in early onset FGR. The middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and the cerebroplacental ratio will be discussed as markers of redistribution in the fetal circulation, and the ductus venosus will be presented as an indicator of imminent fetal decompensation and impaired cardiac function.
By demonstrating the haemodynamic significance of each Doppler parameter, this lecture aims to enhance sonographer’s understanding of Doppler findings and their relevance within the clinical scenario of FGR.
Biography
Ms Alana Nieuwenbroek |
Haven Women's Ultrasound Care Specialists
Alana is a senior sonographer and team leader at Haven Ultrasound Parkwood. Alana is a general trained sonographer with a strong focus in obstetrics and gynaecology, where she has worked for the past three years.
Mr Raynell Gordon
Sonographer
Eureka Medical Labs
Validity of sonographically estimated fetal birthweight in a Guyanese population: A retrospective study
9:50 AM - 10:00 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Aim: To determine the accuracy of sonographically estimated foetal birthweight (SEFW) in a Guyanese population and identify its influencing factors.
Method: Data involving pregnant women who had an obstetric ultrasound (U/S), at maximum, 3 days prior to birth were retrospectively collected from January 01, 2016 to December 31,2017. Exclusion criteria included twin pregnancies, congenital abnormalities, and stillbirths. Maternal, fetal, gestational, and sonographic data were gathered. Actual fetal birthweights (ABWs) were compared to SEFWs and accuracy metrics such as systematic error (SE), random error (RE), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and accuracy proportion (MAPE ≤ 10%) were calculated. Spearman's correlation and χ2 tests identified factors influencing SEFW accuracy.
Results: A total of 531 U/Ss were performed, at maximum, 3 days prior to birth. The mean SEFW and ABW were 3155.5 grams (±642.95 grams) and 3079.5 grams (±638.70 grams), with a mean U/S to birth interval of 1.4 days (±0.9 days). The SE, RE and MAPE were 3.51%, 14.21%, and 11.06%, respectively. 56.31% (n = 299) of the SEFW were accurate (95% CI 51.97% - 60.58%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy of SEFW was 0.5206 (95% CI 0.4708 – 0.5705). Maternal hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, U/S examiner, foetal sex and foetal birthweight were the variables influencing SEFW accuracy.
Conclusion: In the Guyanese population, SEFW demonstrates poor accuracy; obstetricians should be cautious of relying on SEFW to manage obstetric patients. Implementing quality control measures could enhance SEFW accuracy.
Method: Data involving pregnant women who had an obstetric ultrasound (U/S), at maximum, 3 days prior to birth were retrospectively collected from January 01, 2016 to December 31,2017. Exclusion criteria included twin pregnancies, congenital abnormalities, and stillbirths. Maternal, fetal, gestational, and sonographic data were gathered. Actual fetal birthweights (ABWs) were compared to SEFWs and accuracy metrics such as systematic error (SE), random error (RE), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and accuracy proportion (MAPE ≤ 10%) were calculated. Spearman's correlation and χ2 tests identified factors influencing SEFW accuracy.
Results: A total of 531 U/Ss were performed, at maximum, 3 days prior to birth. The mean SEFW and ABW were 3155.5 grams (±642.95 grams) and 3079.5 grams (±638.70 grams), with a mean U/S to birth interval of 1.4 days (±0.9 days). The SE, RE and MAPE were 3.51%, 14.21%, and 11.06%, respectively. 56.31% (n = 299) of the SEFW were accurate (95% CI 51.97% - 60.58%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy of SEFW was 0.5206 (95% CI 0.4708 – 0.5705). Maternal hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, U/S examiner, foetal sex and foetal birthweight were the variables influencing SEFW accuracy.
Conclusion: In the Guyanese population, SEFW demonstrates poor accuracy; obstetricians should be cautious of relying on SEFW to manage obstetric patients. Implementing quality control measures could enhance SEFW accuracy.
Biography
Mr Raynell Gordon |
Eureka Medical Labs
Raynell Gordon is a trained imaging technologist who graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in Medical Imaging from the Universidad de Ciencias Medicas, Dr José Assef Yarade, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. Upon returning to Guyana, he was employed by the Ministry of Health, primarily as a sonographer, at the Public Hospital Suddie on the Essequibo Coast. In 2020, after serving as a part-time lecturer for several years, Mr Gordon transitioned to a full-time position at the University of Guyana. On a part-time basis, he has been practising sonography at the Eureka Medical Lab Inc. since 2014.
In 2021, he completed his Master of Public Health Degree at the University of Guyana, and in 2023, he earned a postgraduate diploma in education – higher education – from the same university. Throughout his journey, he has found inspiration in two bible verses – 1st Corinthians 15:10 ("But by the Grace of GOD I am what I am and His Grace towards me were not in vain…)", and Colossians 1:29 ("To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerful works in me").
Mr Gordon's philosophy on education has been influenced by his experiences in Cuba and the words of Marriam Edelman: "Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your community and world better than you found it." True education goes beyond just acquiring knowledge; it fosters a spirit of service and responsibility that aims to impact communities positively.
