Four-dimensional sonographic assessment of fetal facial expression early in the third trimester.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet
; 94(2): 108-13, 2006 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16828774
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristic patterns of facial expression in fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks using 4-dimensional (4-D) ultrasonography. METHODS: The faces of 10 healthy fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks were recorded continuously for 15 min with a 4-D ultrasonographic machine performing up to 25 frames per second. The occurrence rates of blinking, mouthing, yawning, tongue expulsion, smiling, scowling, and sucking were evaluated. RESULTS: Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression (median, 6.5; range, 2-19) whereas the least frequent were scowling (median, 1; range, 0-9) and sucking (median, 1; range, 0-2). Mouthing was evident in all fetuses and significantly more frequent than any other movement (P<.05). Yawning (median, 3; range, 0-6), smiling (median, 2; range, 0-9), and blinking (median, 1.5; range, 0-6) were observed in most cases. Tongue expulsion (median, 1.5; range, 0-5), scowling, and sucking were each observed in 6 cases. CONCLUSION: 4-D sonography provides a means of evaluating fetal facial expression early in the third trimester. It may be a key to predicting fetal brain function and well-being and an important modality in future fetal neurophysiologic research.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Tercer Trimestre del Embarazo
/
Ultrasonografía Prenatal
/
Expresión Facial
/
Movimiento Fetal
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Gynaecol Obstet
Año:
2006
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Japón
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos