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First trimester fetal nuchal translucency: problems with screening the general population. 2
S Bewley1, L J Roberts, A M Mackinson
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Thomas' Hospitals Trust, London, UK.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
First trimester nuchal translucency screening for fetal aneuploidy is feasible but requires more data. Current findings suggest it is not yet suitable for general population screening or replacing existing methods.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Fetal medicine
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- First trimester ultrasound measurements are crucial for prenatal diagnostics.
- Nuchal translucency (NT) is a key marker for fetal aneuploidy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) greater than or equal to 3 mm as a screening tool for aneuploidy in a normal pregnant population.
Main Methods:
- A pilot observational study was conducted.
- Nuchal translucency measurements were performed on 1127 women between 8-13 weeks of gestation.
- Data collected at University College Hospital, London.
Main Results:
- Seventy fetuses (6%) exhibited an NT of >= 3 mm.
- Five fetuses with aneuploidy (three trisomy 21, two trisomy 18) were identified; all were in mothers aged 39 years or older.
- Only two of the aneuploid fetuses had an NT of >= 3 mm.
Conclusions:
- Nuchal translucency measurement in the first trimester is a feasible and promising technique.
- Insufficient data currently exists to support its use for general population screening.
- It cannot yet replace traditional second-trimester screening methods.