title: First-trimester nuchal translucency: a risk analysis on fetal chromosome abnormality.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the importance of nuchal translucencies in the first trimester of pregnancy as an ultrasonographic marker for fetal chromosome abnormalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred two first-trimester fetuses with a nuchal translucency of 3 mm or more were karyotyped. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities related to nuchal translucencies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-five (54%) of the fetuses had a normal karyotype. Forty-seven (46%) had an abnormal karyotype. The risk of chromosome abnormality was strongly increased in fetuses with a septated nuchal translucency compared with fetuses with a nonseptated nuchal translucency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  First-trimester nuchal translucency is an important ultrasonographic marker for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. The presence of a normal karyotype in a fetus is a strong indication that detailed ultrasonographic examination for associated anomalies should be undertaken.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Vugt
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: van Zalen-Sprock
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kostense
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D008423:Maternal Age; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal