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Growth failure in second-trimester fetuses with trisomy 21
J FitzSimmons1, S Droste, T H Shepard
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53715.
Teratology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Second-trimester fetuses with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) exhibit significant, though variable, organ growth retardation. This finding highlights early developmental impacts of the genetic condition.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Fetal development
- Genetics
Background:
- Growth failure is common in Down syndrome postnatally.
- Prenatal growth consistency in Down syndrome is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fetal organ growth in Down syndrome during the second trimester.
- To compare organ weights in trisomy 21 fetuses with normal controls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of organ weights from 53 second-trimester abortuses with trisomy 21.
- Comparison with 432 normal, spontaneously aborted control specimens.
- Multiple regression analysis using fetal body weight to standardize organ weights.
Main Results:
- All trisomic fetal organs were smaller than controls.
- Abnormal karyotype (trisomy 21) significantly predicted lower organ weight.
- Organ growth retardation varied in severity among different organs.
- Placental weights were not significantly affected by fetal trisomy.
Conclusions:
- Second-trimester fetuses with Down syndrome show established, variable growth retardation.
- This study confirms prenatal growth deficits in Down syndrome fetuses.
- Organ-specific growth patterns in trisomy 21 warrant further investigation.