Fetal nuchal translucency: ultrasound screening for chromosomal defects in first trimester of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the significance of fetal nuchal translucency at 10-14 weeks' gestation in the prediction of abnormal fetal karyotype.


METHODS
Prospective screening study.


METHODS
The Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London.


METHODS
827 fetuses undergoing first trimester karyotyping by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.


METHODS
Incidence of chromosomal defects.


RESULTS
The incidence of chromosomal defects was 3% (28 of 827 cases). In the 51 (6%) fetuses with nuchal translucency 3-8 mm thick the incidence of chromosomal defects was 35% (18 cases). In contrast, only 10 of the remaining 776 (1%) fetuses were chromosomally abnormal.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal nuchal translucency > or = 3 mm is a useful first trimester marker for fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
Nicolaides
K H
KH
Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital Medical School, London.
Azar
G
G
Byrne
D
D
Mansur
C
C
Marks
K
K
D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal