@article{discovery10185743,
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            year = {2023},
           title = {Body weight-based iodinated contrast immersion timing for human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography},
         journal = {BJR{\ensuremath{|}}Open},
          number = {1},
           month = {December},
          volume = {6},
       publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)},
          author = {Simcock, Ian C and Shelmerdine, Susan C and Hutchinson, John Ciaran and Sebire, Neil J and Arthurs, Owen J},
        abstract = {Objectives


                  The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time required to achieve full iodination using potassium tri-iodide as a contrast agent, prior to human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging.


               
               
                  Methods


                  Prospective assessment of optimal contrast iodination was conducted across 157 human fetuses (postmortem weight range 2-298 g; gestational age range 12-37 weeks), following micro-CT imaging. Simple linear regression was conducted to analyse which fetal demographic factors could produce the most accurate estimate for optimal iodination time.


               
               
                  Results


                  Postmortem body weight (r2 = 0.6435) was better correlated with iodination time than gestational age (r2 = 0.1384), producing a line of best fit, y = [0.0304 {$\times$} body weight (g)] ? 2.2103. This can be simplified for clinical use whereby immersion time (days) = [0.03 {$\times$} body weight (g)] ? 2.2. Using this formula, for example, a 100-g fetus would take 5.2 days to reach optimal contrast enhancement.


               
               
                  Conclusions


                  The simplified equation can now be used to provide estimation times for fetal contrast preparation time prior to micro-CT imaging and can be used to manage service throughput and parental expectation for return of their fetus.


               
               
                  Advances in knowledge


                  A simple equation from empirical data can now be used to estimate preparation time for human fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging.},
             url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjro/tzad006},
        keywords = {Micro-CT, fetal, potassium tri-iodide, immersion time}
}