Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-12 | Issue-08 | 475-481
Original Research Article
Ultrasonographic Value of Measuring Fetal Liver Length for Estimation of Fetal Weight
Manahil Abdelazim Suliman, Asma Alamin, Kamal Mahgoub Omer, Mohammed Abdelaziz Alauda, Ikhlas Abdelaziz Hassan, Eman Mahgoub Mustafa
Published : Aug. 1, 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Accurately estimating fetal weight is critical for optimal obstetric management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using fetal liver length, measured via ultrasonography, to predict estimated fetal weight (EFWG). The specific objectives were to assess fetal weight using fetal liver length, establish predictive mathematical formulas, correlate liver length with EFWG, and quantify the strength of the association between fetal liver parameters and fetal weight. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 173 pregnant women with confirmed normal pregnancies at Ultrasound Department of Al-Auda Medical Center in Hafr Al-Batin, KSA; Pregnancies with suspected congenital abnormalities were excluded. Sonographic evaluations were performed using a real-time grayscale scanner (Mindray and Fujifilm) equipped with a 3.5 MHz curvilinear array transducer. Data collection involved measuring fetal liver length, and the data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression methods. Results: The proposed simple linear regression analysis revealed that fetal liver length demonstrated a strong positive linear correlation with estimated fetal weight (R = 0.766). The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.587) confirms that approximately 58.7 % of the total variance in fetal weight can be directly explained by liver length alone. The adjusted R2 (0.585) further substantiates the stability and reliability of the model. The analysis of variance yielded an F-statistic of 243.082 (p < 0.001), verifying that the regression model is highly significant and that the relationship is robust rather than a result of random chance. The derived unstandardized model provides a direct mathematical formula for clinical application: EFW G = -1637.782 + 492.151 X (Liver Length). The unstandardized coefficient for liver length (B = 492.151, t = 15.591, p < 0.001) confirms its critical role in assessing fetal growth parameters. Overall, these findings validate fetal liver length as a dependable, highly accurate metric for clinical estimation of fetal weight in routine obstetrical evaluations. This equation specifies that for every 1 cm increase in fetal liver length, the estimated fetal weight increases by approximately 492.15 g. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that fetal liver length is a robust and statistically significant predictor of estimated fetal weight, offering a reliable, alternative parameter for comprehensive fetal growth assessment in clinical practice.