title: Ultrasound screening for fetal aneuploidy using soft markers in the overweight and obese gravida.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the completion rate of ultrasound surveys for aneuploidy markers by maternal body mass index (BMI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of ultrasounds on midtrimester singleton pregnancies was performed. Subjects were grouped as normal, overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)), and obese: class I (30-34.9 kg/m(2)), class II (35-39.9 kg/m(2)), and class III (>or= 40 kg/m(2)). Examinations with visualization of at least seven of eight markers were considered complete.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 14 353 ultrasounds reviewed, 5690 patients were eligible: 43% normal, 29% overweight, 27% obese. Completion rates differed significantly between groups (64% normal, 64% overweight, 61% class I, 55% class II, 47% class III, p < 0.001). The screen positive rates (>or=1 marker) differed significantly overall (16% normal, 13% overweight, 15% class I, 12% class II, 10% class III, p < 0.02), but not for complete examinations (p = 0.42).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since completion rates for ultrasound aneuploidy screening are inversely related to maternal obesity, obese women are underscreened.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
authors.forename: Lily J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Eva K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Pressman
authors.forename: Loralei L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Thornburg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement; D009765:Obesity; D050177:Overweight; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult