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Weekly nuchal translucency measurements in normal fetuses
E Pajkrt1, I M de Graaf, B W Mol
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 20, 1998
Summary
Nuchal translucency thickness in normal fetuses typically increases and then decreases between 10 and 15 weeks gestation. This pattern is unique to each fetus, highlighting the importance of serial measurements.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Fetal development
Background:
- Nuchal translucency (NT) is a key marker in early pregnancy screening.
- Understanding the typical NT progression is crucial for accurate interpretation.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed the longitudinal NT course in normal fetuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally track nuchal translucency thickness weekly.
- To analyze NT changes from 10 to 15 weeks' gestation in normal fetuses.
- To establish normative percentile data for NT during this period.
Main Methods:
- Weekly NT measurements were performed in 64 normal fetuses.
- Gestational age ranged from 10 to 15 weeks.
- Median and percentile values (5th, 25th, 75th, 95th) were calculated.
Main Results:
- NT measurements showed significant variation with gestational age, following fetus-specific patterns.
- Most fetuses (94%) exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease in NT.
- Median NT increased from 0.7 mm at 70 days to 1.7 mm at 91 days, then decreased to 1.0 mm at 105 days.
Conclusions:
- A common pattern of NT increase and subsequent decrease occurs in most fetuses.
- The timing of peak NT thickness is specific to each fetus.
- A 0 mm NT before 12 weeks may warrant repeat measurement; absence after 12 weeks suggests the waning phase.