Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  1998 Nov;41(11):2739-2742.

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

• Lee JY
• Choi KH
• Park CW
• Yun TS
• Park CJ
• Jang PR
• Park YS

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.

Keyword

Nuchal translucency; Chromosomal abnormalities; Ultrasound screening

MeSH Terms

Amniocentesis
Chromosome Aberrations*
Female
Fetus
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Nuchal Translucency Measurement*
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First*
Pregnancy, High-Risk*
Prospective Studies
Ultrasonography