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Updated: Dec 9, 2025
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Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
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Fetal sex discordance
Álvaro López Soto1, Mar Bueno González1, Isabel Urbano Reyes1
1Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Hospital General Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain.
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
|September 12, 2020
Summary
Fetal sex discordance, detected via cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, is increasingly common. Management requires careful review and potential invasive testing to diagnose causes, from lab errors to sexual development disorders.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Prenatal Diagnostics
Background:
- Fetal sex discordance is a growing concern in prenatal diagnosis.
- Its incidence is comparable to some common chromosomal abnormalities.
- Causes are varied, including laboratory errors and disorders of sexual differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing frequency of fetal sex discordance.
- To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for this condition.
- To emphasize the importance of prevention through counseling and ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical history and diagnostic tests.
- Potential use of invasive testing for definitive diagnosis.
- Analysis of causes and incidence of fetal sex discordance.
Main Results:
- Fetal sex discordance incidence is approximately 1/1500-2000 pregnancies.
- Diverse etiologies contribute to fetal sex discordance.
- Structured management is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Fetal sex discordance requires a systematic diagnostic approach.
- Early identification and counseling are key to prevention.
- Understanding the causes is vital for appropriate patient management.
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