The first-trimester scan is important in routine antenatal care for early detection of fetal defects, and determination of the fetuses at risk of cardiac anomalies and genetic syndromes.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine fetal and neonatal outcomes in the setting of nuchal translucency (NT) X3 mm at routine first-trimester screening.Study Design: A nested case-series study within a retrospective cohort of women screened for Down syndrome at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Crownrump length, NT values and additional anomalies at first and early second trimesters were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained by a review of medical records and self-report from patients. Adverse outcomes included fetal death and termination of pregnancy due to structural or chromosomal anomalies.Result: A total of 1930 pregnant women were screened between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. The prevalence of increased fetal NT (X3 mm) was 1.4% (n ¼ 27). Among these, 12 showed increased fetal NT as an isolated finding. In this group, 2 women experienced fetal demise (16%) and 10 delivered healthy babies. In the group with additional abnormalities (n ¼ 15), 9 (60%) were found to have chromosomal abnormalities, all of which were terminated. For all cases with increased fetal NT, total incidence of adverse outcome was 62%.Conclusion: At first-trimester ultrasonography, a fetal NT X3 mm was associated with a high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the presence of associated abnormalities. For cases with the increased fetal NT at first-trimester fetal assessment and follow-up is necessary to detect possible adverse outcomes.
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