Foetal central nervous system anomalies: frequency and foeto-maternal outcome

To assess the frequency and outcome in pregnant females suspected to have foetal central nervous system anomalies on the basis of ultrasonography.

The retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia, and comprised all women who were diagnosed by ultrasound to have foetal central nervous system abnormalities during anomaly scan at 18-20 weeks between January 2009 and December 2012. Data was retrieved from patient files and reviewed for foetal and maternal outcome.

Of the 31,754 live births at the hospital during the study period, 22,880(72%) pregnant women were sent for ultrasonography to have foetal central nervous system anomalies checked. Of them, 181(0.57%) women had positive scans. Mean maternal age was 29.8±7 years and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was 24.4±7 weeks. There were 35(19%) primigravida, 108(60%) Para 2 to 5, and 38(21%) more than Para 5. Overall, 102(56.4%) women delivered vaginally, while 50(27.6%) delivered by caesarean section. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37.5±4.2 weeks. Major anomalies included ventriculomegaly 95(52.2%) neural tube defect 31(17.03%), cisterna magna 17(9.34%), and acrania 12(6.6%). No termination of pregnancy was done due to legal and religious reasons.

Antenatal detection of central nervous system anomalies by screening with ultrasonography helps make multidisciplinary management plans.