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Objective:To explore the relationship between soft markers found in the first trimester (11-13 + 6 gestational weeks) ultrasound screening and fetal adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods:Single pregnancy fetuses were selected from the Multicenter Clinical Study of First Trimester Screening in China during August 2017 to August 2020. The types and detection rate of soft markers during the first trimester were compared. The correlation between positive soft markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by binary Logistics regression.Results:A total of 16 625 fetuses with complete follow-up outcomes were included in the group. Six hundred and seven ultrasonic soft markers were detected in 556 fetuses with positive soft markers during the first trimester, and the first four most frequently occurred were increased nuchal translucency (NT) (2.08%, 345/16 625), echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) (0.94%, 156/16 625), hypoplasia of fetal nasal bone (0.20%, 34/16 625), single umbilical artery (SUA) (0.19%, 31/16 625). Among 556 fetuses, the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome in fetuses with two or more positive soft markers was 32.50% (13/40), which was significantly higher than fetuses with single positive soft marker (11.05%, 57/516), and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=5.055, P<0.001). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome in positive soft markers fetus associated with structural abnormalities was 80.77% (21/26), which was significantly higher than fetuses with isolated positive soft marker (12.08%, 64/530), and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=90.310, P<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed choroid plexus cyst (CPC), SUA, echogenic bowel (EB), absent/reversed a-wave of ductus venosus, hypoplasia of fetal nasal bone, increased NT, and EIF were closely related to the adverse pregnancy outcomes (all P<0.05). However, there were no significant correlations between tricuspid regurgitation (TR), pyelectasis (PYE) and fetal adverse pregnancy outcomes (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The ultrasonic soft markers during the first trimester are of great significance in predicting fetal adverse pregnancy outcomes. For multiple positive soft markers or positive soft markers combined with structural abnormalities, more attention should be paid to them and comprehensive evaluation is required to be carried out.
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Background: Congenital anomalies are responsible for a of 14.2% of perinatal mortality in India. This study focuses on incidence of structural fetal abnormalities detected during 1st and 2nd trimester sonography. Aim of this study was to evaluate the need for targeted fetal scans.Methods: This study is an observational study conducted at Gujarat fetal medicine Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, super specialty antenatal radiology centre where exclusively antenatal USGs and prenatal procedures are performed. All pregnant female coming for 1st and 2nd trimester USG were included. All fetal abnormalities in form of soft markers and structural abnormality were included.Results: Out of 2122 total ANC scans, 183 cases (8.6%) had structural abnormality and 235 cases (11%) had significant soft markers. 1185 cases (55.84%) came in late 2nd trimester for TIFFA scan and 468 (22%) were seen in 1st trimester scan. The incidence of fetal anomaly in this study was higher than general population as it is an exclusively fetal medicine centre and majority of patients were diagnosed with anomaly in late 2nd trimester.Conclusions: There is immense need for early diagnosis and timely intervention before 20 weeks in case of prenatal detection of fetal abnormality.
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OBJECTIVE: To analyze practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, and to investigate management plans when soft markers are detected among Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSUOG) members. METHODS: An internet-based self-administered questionnaire survey was designed. KSUOG members were invited to the survey. Checklists of the second trimester ultrasonography were also requested. In the questionnaire survey, general practice patterns of the second trimester ultrasonography and management schemes of soft markers were asked. In the checklists analysis, the number of items were counted and also compared with those recommended by other medical societies. RESULTS: A total of 101 members responded. Eighty-seven percent routinely recommended second trimester fetal anatomic surveillance. Most (91.1%) performed it between 20+0 and 23+6 weeks of gestation. Written informed consents were given by 15.8% of respondents. Nearly 60% recommended genetic counseling when multiple soft markers and/or advanced maternal age were found. Similar tendencies were found in the managements of individual soft markers. However, practice patterns were very diverse and sometimes conflicting. Forty-eight checklists were analyzed in context with the number and content of the items. The median item number was 46.5 (range, 17 to 109). Of 49 items of checklists recommended by International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and/or American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 14 items (28.6%) were found in less than 50% of the checklists analyzed in this study. CONCLUSION: Although general practice patterns were similar among KSUOG members, some of which were conflicting, and there is a need for standardization of the practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, which also have very wide range of spectrum.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Checklist , Surveys and Questionnaires , General Practice , Genetic Counseling , Gynecology , Maternal Age , Obstetrics , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Societies, Medical , Ultrasonography , Ultrasonography, PrenatalABSTRACT
Objective To review the clinical treatment and outcome of ultrasonographic soft markers in prenatal diagnostics. Methods This study recruited 268 pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnostics in our hospital between Jun 2005 to Mar 2009. Fetuses were followed up postnatally. The outcome and chromosomal abnormalities of ultrasonographic soft markers were assessed. Results Of 268 cases consulted, 29 cases were missed (10.8%), 34 cases (12.7%) chose abortion, and 205 cases (76.5%) delivered. The top four most common delivered isolated markers were thickened nuchal fold, mild pyelectasis, echogenic bowel and rhizomelic limb shortening. Mild ventriculomegals had the highest aborted rate (17.2%). Six chromosomal structural abnormalities and one 21-trisome were detected in 59 fetuses who received chromosomal examination. Conclusions Ultrasonographic soft markers are risks to both fetal trisome and chromosomal structural abnormalities. Owing to extinction in most cases, consultant should be strengthed to avoid unnecessary invasive examination and abortion.