THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF FETAL KIDNEY DURING DIFFERENT
PERIODS OF GESTATION

    Early antenatal diagnostics and importance of genetic consultation are of great interest for echosonographical evaluation of normal fetus’ anatomy. The research was carried out on kidneys of 100 fetuses of both sexes, ages ranging from IV to X lunar months. Each of the fourth and fifth lunar month was subdivided in two groups because of very progressive kidney growth. All fetuses were fixed in formaldehyde for a period of 30 days, at least. Macrodissection was used to extract both kidneys en block. After separation from the surrounding tissue, their volumes were measured by the method of sinking into the glass gauge. The corrections were made on the results of the procedure by means of the shrinkage factor.
    Average volume of fetal kidney in the first half of IV lunar month was 0,33 ml and continually increased up to 8,68 ml (left kidney) and 9,53 ml (right kidney) in X lunar month.The kidney shows statistically significant (p<0,05) increase of volume in the second half of IV lunar month and in VI lunar month.
    The highest value ratio volume/crown-rump length displays in X lunar month when the kidney is physically prepared for full taking over of all its functions after birth. Acta Medica Medianae 2005; 44 (2): 47-50.

    Key words: fetal kidney, volume, lunar months