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Hyperechoic fetal bowel: the perinatal consequences
R Bahado-Singh1, R Morotti, J A Copel
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8063.
Prenatal Diagnosis
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Hyperechoic fetal bowel on prenatal ultrasound is linked to cystic fibrosis and chromosome abnormalities. Further research is needed to understand risks in low-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Medical Genetics
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Prenatal sonography can detect hyperechoic fetal bowel.
- This finding has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and define the significance of hyperechoic fetal bowel.
- To determine the prevalence of associated disorders and complications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature.
- Analysis of 357 reported cases of hyperechoic fetal bowel.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of cystic fibrosis (25.6%) and chromosome abnormalities (12.4%).
- Significant rates of intrauterine growth retardation (14.9%), fetal demise (9.0%), and prematurity (15.3%).
- Data primarily from high-risk populations, introducing potential bias.
Conclusions:
- Hyperechoic fetal bowel is associated with significant adverse outcomes in high-risk fetuses.
- Extrapolation of these findings to low-risk populations requires caution.
- Further studies are needed to delineate risks in low-risk fetal populations.