Fetal Nuchal Translucency Measurement for Detection of Chromosomal Abnormalities in the First Trimester of High Risk Pregnancy.

Lee, Ji Young; Choi, Kyu Ha; Park, Chan Woo; Yun, Tae Suk; Park, Choo Jin; Jang, Pong Rheem; Park, Yang Suh

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 1998;41(11):2739-2742.
Published online January 1, 2001.

Fetal Nuchal Translucency Measurement for Detection of Chromosomal Abnormalities in the First Trimester of High Risk Pregnancy.

Ji Young Lee, Kyu Ha Choi, Chan Woo Park, Tae Suk Yun, Choo Jin Park, Pong Rheem Jang, Yang Suh Park

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of sonographic nuchal translucency measurement for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in high risk pregnancies. METHOD: The feasibility of nuchal translucency was tested in a prospective study of 1260 pregnancies at 10- 13 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: The nuchal translucency of 3 mm or greater was identified in 41 fetuses (3.2%), 19 of whom proved subsequently by either amniocentesis or postnatal follow-up have chromosomal abnormalities. The sensitivity of nuchal translucency for chromosomal abnormalities was 82.6% (19 of 23 cases), the positive predictive value of nuchal translucency for chromosomal abnormalities detection was 46.3% (19 of 41 cases). CONCLUSION: The observed sensitivity, false-positive rate and predictive value suggest that sonographic nuchal translucency should be undertaken at 10 to 13 weeks of gestation.

Key Words: Nuchal translucency, Chromosomal abnormalities, Ultrasound screening