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Pregnancy outcome in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency

Journal of Perinatology volume 28, pages 400–404 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine fetal and neonatal outcomes in the setting of nuchal translucency (NT) ⩾3 mm at routine first-trimester screening.

Study Design:

A nested case-series study within a retrospective cohort of women screened for Down syndrome at 11–14 weeks of gestation. Crown-rump length, NT values and additional anomalies at first and early second trimesters were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained by a review of medical records and self-report from patients. Adverse outcomes included fetal death and termination of pregnancy due to structural or chromosomal anomalies.

Result:

A total of 1930 pregnant women were screened between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. The prevalence of increased fetal NT (⩾3 mm) was 1.4% (n=27). Among these, 12 showed increased fetal NT as an isolated finding. In this group, 2 women experienced fetal demise (16%) and 10 delivered healthy babies. In the group with additional abnormalities (n=15), 9 (60%) were found to have chromosomal abnormalities, all of which were terminated. For all cases with increased fetal NT, total incidence of adverse outcome was 62%.

Conclusion:

At first-trimester ultrasonography, a fetal NT ⩾3 mm was associated with a high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the presence of associated abnormalities. For cases with the increased fetal NT at first-trimester fetal assessment and follow-up is necessary to detect possible adverse outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Perinatology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    B Dane, C Dane, A Cetin, M Kiray, D Sivri & M Yayla

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  1. B Dane
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  2. C Dane
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  3. A Cetin
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  4. M Kiray
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  5. D Sivri
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  6. M Yayla
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Correspondence to C Dane.

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Dane, B., Dane, C., Cetin, A. et al. Pregnancy outcome in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency. J Perinatol 28, 400–404 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.14

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