NCJ Number
225882
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 7-12
Date Published
January 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated a new method of fetal age estimation based on orbital measurements, with attention to whether orbital measurements could be modified by pathology, specifically Down Syndrome (influence of the trisomy 21).
Abstract
The study found that all orbital parameters showed very high univariate correlations with age. These results confirm those already published in the literature either by ultrasound measurements or by direct bone investigation. In addition, most of the orbital measurements were either not correlated with trisomy 21 or had an odd ratio near one (neutral influence). The current study is the first to use fetal skull 3D CT-scan reconstruction on orbital measurements. Seventy-one fetuses underwent a complete evaluation of potential dysmorphics, including radiographic (skull CT-scan), karyotypic, gross anatomic, and histologic examination. A sample of 48 fetuses, ranging from 14 to 41 weeks of gestational age, was classified as nondysmorphic. The remaining fetuses, ranging in age from 19 to 27 weeks, were diagnosed as abnormal, with the same chromosomal aberration, i.e., trisomy 21. Gestational age for all fetuses was based on accurate reports of each mother’s last normal menstrual period and the ultrasound examination of the fetal biometry. The choice of measured points was orientated by anthropological points of the skull and the orbits. The orbital landmarks and measurements were obtained for each skull based on CT-scans. 4 tables, 3 figures, and 36 references