Quality of nuchal translucency measurements in multifetal pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
A prospective comparative study was conducted to investigate the effect of multifetal pregnancies on the quality of nuchal translucency measurements using an image scoring method.


METHODS
The study sample included 72 consecutive multiple gestations (164 fetuses) and 195 singleton gestations (control) matched for maternal age and fetal crown-rump length. Nuchal translucency ultrasound was performed similarly in singleton and multiple pregnancies. A single sonographer scored an elected ultrasound image of each fetus according to a nuchal translucency image scoring method and the mean image score was compared between the whole singleton and multiple gestation groups and between subgroups defined by fetal distance from the abdominal wall.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in mean image score between the multiple and singleton gestation groups (6.60 +/- 1.3 and 6.69 +/- 1.5, respectively; p = 0.595). Within the multiple gestation group, there was a significant difference in mean score between fetuses positioned proximal to the abdominal wall (n = 72) (3.7 +/- 1.1) and both the middle fetuses (6.2 +/- 1.4; p < 0.01) and distal fetuses (5.7 +/- 1.06; p < 0.008). There was no difference between the proximal fetuses and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The fetuses in multiple pregnancies that are located further from the abdominal wall have a poorer image score.
Zohav
Efraim
E
Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. zohav@barzi.health.gov.il
Segal
Octav
O
Rabinson
Jacob
J
Meltcer
Simion
S
Anteby
Eyal Y
EY
Orvieto
Raoul
R
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000196:embryology; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement / Q000592:standards*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple