Fetal Epicardial Fat Thickness in Obese Pregnant Women: Its Effect on Fetal Cardiac Function and Neonatal Outcomes

Objective This study aimed to evaluate fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) together with fetal myocardial performance index (MPI) and its effects on neonatal outcomes in obese pregnant women. Materials and methods A total of 102 pregnant women, 51 obese and 51 of normal weight, were included in this prospective study. Fetal EFT, and MPI measurements were performed for all patients. Results Fetal EFT and Mod-MPI showed a statistically significant difference between obese pregnant women and the control group (p=0.0001, p=0.001). The optimal fetal EFT predictive cut-off value for the 5th-minute APGAR score below 7 was 1.22 mm, with a sensitivity of 86.96% and a specificity of 54.43% (p=0.001). Conclusion Fetal EFT and mod-MPI were higher in obese pregnant women. It is encouraging that fetal EFT predicts low APGAR, but more important information can be obtained if postnatal follow-up of these cardiac changes caused by obesity can be performed.