title: Nonvisualization of fetal gallbladder increases the risk of cystic fibrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in fetuses referred for genetic testing because of ultrasonographic sign (nonvisualized fetal gallbladder--NVFGB).
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the results of CFTR gene analysis over the period 2002 to 2009 in all consecutive cases referred because of NVFGB in Western France. We correlated these data with the presence of a more classical ultrasonographic finding (fetal echogenic bowel - FEB).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 5 of the 37 fetuses with NVFGB (13.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): [2.5%; 24.5%]) and in only 9 of the 229 other cases referred because of FEB (3.9%, 95% CI: [3.2%; 14.7%]). In our series, all CF-affected fetuses with NVFGB also had FEB. The risk of CF was 11.6-fold higher in fetuses with both indications (NVFGB + FEB) than in fetuses with isolated FEB (45.5% vs 3.9%, RR = 11.6, 95% CI: [4.7%; 28.8%], p = 0.0001). We also estimated that the residual risk of CF was less than 1 in 68 (1.5%) when a single mutation was identified in the fetus by our molecular protocol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasonographic evidence of NVFGB is an additional risk factor for CF in cases with FEB.
authors: INSERM U613, Brest, France.
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Duguépéroux
authors: Virginie
authors: V
authors: Scotet
authors: Marie-Pierre
authors: MP
authors: Audrézet
authors: Anne-Hélène
authors: AH
authors: Saliou
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Collet
authors: Martine
authors: M
authors: Blayau
authors: Sébastien
authors: S
authors: Schmitt
authors: Alain
authors: A
authors: Kitzis
authors: Fleur
authors: F
authors: Fresquet
authors: Françoise
authors: F
authors: Müller
authors: Claude
authors: C
authors: Férec
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics; D003582:Cytogenetics / Q000379:methods; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D058535:Echogenic Bowel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
chemical_list: D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator