1.Anthropometric and Histologic Study of Liver and Kidney of Foetuses and Their Correlation With Gestational Age
Aina Aggarwal ; Chandni Gupta ; Vikram Palimar ; Sneha Guruprasad Kalthur
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.4):96-100
Introduction: It is very important to accurately estimate the age of foetus for various medicolegal cases. This study
is an attempt to establish a relationship between anthropometric measurements and histologic analysis of liver and
kidney to identify gestational age of the foetus. Methods: The study was carried on 30 fetuses. Their anthropometric
measurements were done using Vernier calipers. The data was statistically analyzed by computation to find out its
normative value. Histologic analysis was done by preparing hematoxylin and eosin stained slides and looking under
light microscope. The relationship between gestational age and data thus obtained was determined. Results: Size of
liver and kidneys increased with every trimester. The kidney showed immature duct system and clustered glomeruli
with lack of differentiation into cortex and medulla in first trimester. Tubular differentiation started in second trimester which finished in third trimester with formation of juxtaglomerular apparatus. Size of glomerulus was, however,
maximum during second trimester, followed by first and third trimester. In liver, haemopoeisis was observed in first
trimester which decreased with subsequent trimesters. Lobular differentiation increased with each trimester. However, full term liver did not have the classic lobular pattern. Size of sinusoids decreased with every trimester. Abundant
fibrous tissue was observed around portal triad. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the gestational age and
anthropometric measurements and histologic features of liver and kidney of the foetus. This will help in identifying
foetal age as well as any congenital kidney and liver diseases.