Date of Award

3-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Medicine (MMed)

First Advisor

Prof. Sikolia Wanyonyi

Second Advisor

Dr. Felix Oindi

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

BACKGROUND 

Fetal growth is a result of complex interactions between genetic, nutritional, environmental, uteroplacental, and fetal factors which impact on delivery and subsequent neonatal outcomes. Fetal abdominal adiposity serves as an important indicator of fetal growth and body composition. While gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can influence fetal fat deposition, understanding how adiposity correlates with birth weight and neonatal outcomes in both GDM and non-GDM pregnancies provides insight into the broader significance of fetal adiposity as a marker of fetal health.

Methodology 

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 269 pregnant women to examine fetal abdominal adiposity, measured as fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (FASTT). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between FASTT and birth weight. Differences in adiposity between GDM and non-GDM patients were assessed using an independent samples t-test. Additionally, associations between fetal adiposity and adverse neonatal outcomes, including low APGAR scores, emergency cesarean sections, and critical care admissions were evaluated.

Results 

Moderate positive correlation was observed between FASTT and birth weight (r=0.485, p< 0.001). Fetuses of women with GDM had significantly higher FASTT (4.7 ± 0.8 mm) compared to non-GDM participants (4.2 ± 0.7 mm, p=0.001). However, there was no significant association of FASTT with adverse neonatal outcomes. (p=0.731).

Conclusion 

This study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between fetal abdominal adiposity and birth weight, underscoring its role as a marker of fetal growth. Adiposity measurements were higher in fetuses of women with GDM, suggesting altered fetal fat deposition associated with maternal hyperglycemia. However, fetal abdominal adiposity alone did not predict adverse neonatal outcomes, emphasizing its limitations as an independent prognostic tool. These findings highlight the complexity of using fetal adiposity to guide clinical decision-making and underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to improving neonatal outcomes. 

First Page

1

Last Page

37

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