The availability of ultrasonography as the method for early detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities

Ha, Jin A; Kim, Yoon Ha; Kim, Cheol Hong; Cho, Moon Kyoung; Kim, Ki Min; Kim, Jong Woon; Song, Tae Bok

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
For the early detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in highpregnancy, most obstetricians have performed the prenatal fetal ultrasonogram as an obstetrical diagnostic tool.
METHODS
Fetal ultrasonogram and fetal chromosomal analysis were carried out to 68 patients, from Jan. 1996 to July 2004.
RESULTS
1. The causes of patients visited the hospital were as follows; 39.5% (27/68) of them had abnormal results of Triple test, 32.1% (20/68) abnormal fetal ultrasonographic findings, 9.2% (7/68) old maternal age, 4.3% (3/68) previous fetal anomaly, 2.8% (2/68) abnormality in amniotic fluid, 2.8% (2/68) intrauterine growth restriction and 9.2% (7/68) others reasons. 2. The prevalence of abnormal fetal ultrasonographic findings was 48.5% (33/68). Several fetuses were presented the combination of anomaly. 3. The average gestational age for the fetal chromosomal analysis was 19.9+/-6.8 weeks, and the methods for the analysis were amniocentesis 80.9% (55/68), cordocentesis 8.8% (6/68), chorionic villi sampling 4.4% (3/68), and others 5.9% (4/68). 4. The results of the fetal chromosomal analysis showed numerical aberration 61.7% (42/68). structural aberration 36.8% (25/68) and Mosaicism 1.5% (1/68).
CONCLUSION
The Fetal ultrasound examinations are useful for the early and accurate detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Especially, when fetuses show anomalies in hears and central nervous systems, fetal chromosomal analysis should be done.