title: Fetal outcome in nuchal translucency with emphasis on normal fetal karyotype.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal outcome in fetuses with a nuchal translucency thickness of 3 mm or more, with emphasis on those with a normal karyotype. Between 1991 and 1994, a total of 104 pregnancies with suspected ultrasound abnormalities were referred to our prenatal unit for a fetal anomaly scan before 16 weeks of gestation. Of these 104 pregnancies, 54 were referred because of a nuchal translucency thickness of 3 mm or more. Data on these 54 pregnancies will be presented. Karyotyping was performed in all cases. An abnormal karyotype was found in 26/54 (48 per cent) pregnancies. A normal karyotype was established in the remaining 28 pregnancies. In this subset, five associated structural anomalies were detected at the first anomaly scan (9-15 weeks). Two pregnancies were terminated because of isolated nuchal translucency. In four of the continuing 21 pregnancies, additional structural anomalies were detected only at the second anomaly scan (16-20 weeks). Two of these were terminated because of bilateral renal dysplasia and a combination of exomphalos and ectopia cordis. Finally, 19 pregnancies progressed uneventfully and resulted in spontaneous delivery at a median gestational age of 40 weeks. A statistically significant difference in mean nuchal translucency thickness was found between cases with and without associated structural anomalies. This relationship indicates a more pronounced nuchal translucency thickness to be associated with a higher incidence of additional structural anomalies and, as a result, a poorer fetal outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Erasmus University, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Cha'ban
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Splunder
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Los
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wladimiroff
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal