Resumen

PINA LOYOLA, Carmen; GONZALEZ DEBEN, Marta  y  QUINONEZ CEBALLOS, Alfredo. Morphometric Characteristics of Fetal Thymus. Medisur [online]. 2012, vol.10, n.1, pp.72-76. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: Classical medicine texts include morphological patterns such as thymus, but reported values vary. Objective: To determine morphometric parameters of the thymus and its relation to gestational age, fetal weight and sex. Methods: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted from May 2003 to May 2008 in the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital from Cienfuegos. The sample, obtained trough intentional sampling consisted of 147 fetuses deceased from 17 weeks of gestation to term. Organ measurements such as weight, height, width, thickness and volume were taken. General data of deceased fetuses were also collected: gestational age, weight and gender. Results: Morphometric parameters of the thymus increased in relation to increased fetal weight and gestational age. Thymus’ weight and volume was higher in males. Height, width and thickness of the organ were higher in females. Main causes of death were congenital malformations, extreme prematurity and late fetal death. Conclusions: thymic morphometric parameters are modified in relation to gestational age, fetal weight and sex. The thymic morphometric variables found in this study can be used as reference values ??in Cuba and provide a basis for similar investigations or imaging tests for assessing the integrity of the immune system and its evolutionary fallow-up as well as for the early diagnosis of certain alterations, which may promote efficient fetal therapy.

Palabras clave : thymus gland; fetus.

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