Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Mar 2. doi: 10.1002/uog.26187. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Having adequate reference ranges of the size of corpus callosum (CC) is necessary to better characterize CC abnormalities and improve parental counseling. The objective of this study was to evaluate the methodology used in developing different references charts for CC biometry.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies of fetal CC biometry using a set of predefined quality criteria of study design, statistical analysis and reporting methods. We including observational studies whose primary aim was to create ultrasound or MRI charts for size of the CC in normal population of fetuses. Studies were scored against a predefined set of independently agreed methodological criteria and an overall quality score was given to each study.
RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality scores ranged between 17.4% and 95.6%. The highest potential for bias was noted in the following fields : “sample selection” and “sample size calculation” where only 17% of the studies were population-based study with consecutive or random recruitment of patient and with a justification of the sample size; “number of measurement taken for CC biometrics” where in only 17% of the studies more one measure per fetus and per scan were performed; “description of characteristics of the study population” where only 9% of the studies clearly reported a minimum dataset of demographic characteristics.
CONCLUSION: Our review demonstrates substantial heterogeneity in methods and final biometry values of fetal CC measurement. The use of uniform methodology of the highest quality is essential in order to define a “short” CC and provide appropriate parental counseling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:36864530 | DOI:10.1002/uog.26187
