Second trimester prenatal ultrasound for the detection of pregnancies at increased risk of Down syndrome

Comparison of the ratio of second trimester fetal biometric measurements to fetal nasal bone length in fetuses with normal karyotype and trisomy 21

AIM

In this study, we compared the ratio of second trimester fetal biometric measurements to nasal bone length (NBL) in fetuses with normal karyotype and trisomy 21 to determine their diagnostic prognostic value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 148 pregnant women who obtained second-trimester ultrasonographic fetal anatomy and had amniocentesis (AS) for fetal karyotyping. The fetal karyotype results divided the groups into normal and trisomy 21 fetuses. Age, obstetric history, first and/or second trimester screening test risk ratios, fetal biometric measurements, and NBL mm, median (MoM) multiples, and percentile values were recorded and compared between groups.

RESULTS

BPD/NBL ratios above 9.26 predict trisomy 21 in fetuses with 77.6% sensitivity and 86.1% specificity (p = 0.001). HC/NBL ratios above 34.50 predict trisomy 21 in fetuses with 77.8% sensitivity and 88.8% specificity (p = 0.001). FL/NBL ratios above 6.02 predict trisomy 21 in fetuses with 69.6% sensitivity and 72.2% specificity (p = 0.001). HL/NB ratios above 6.56 predict trisomy 21 in fetuses with 95.5% sensitivity and 47.2% specificity (p = 0.001). The NBL MoM value demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy for normal-karyotype fetuses (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

We found that BPD/NBL, HC/NBL, FL/NBL, and HL/NBL ratios differed between fetuses with a normal karyotype and those with trisomy 21, specifically the HC/NBL ratio, which predicted trisomy 21 with good diagnostic accuracy. In identifying normal-karyotype fetuses, the NBL MoM was highly accurate.

Diagnostic distribution and postnatal evaluation of prenatally detected short femur: A single center experience

Genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs) are clinically and etiologically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by abnormal growth and development of bone and/or cartilaginous tissues. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for prevention of significant comorbidities. In this study demographic, parental, prenatal and natal characteristics, and postnatal diagnostic distribution along with follow-up processes of 104 individuals with the finding of "short femur" detected in routine prenatal ultrasonography were evaluated. Of 104 patients, 19 (18.2%) were medically terminated, 12 (11.6%) were deceased during follow-up and 73 (70.2%) were still under follow-up. Diagnostic distribution of 104 patients was as follows: 77 (74%) had GSD, eight (7.7%) had chromosomal disorder, seven (6.7%) were completely normal, and 12 (11.5%) had no definite diagnosis. Long-term follow up evaluation contributed to clinical diagnosis in four patients. When grouped according to Nosology and Classification of GSDs: 2019 revision, the most frequent (n = 30, 38.5%) group was "FGFR3 chondrodysplasia group", followed by "Type 2 collagen group" (n = 7, 9%), and "Osteogenesis imperfecta and decreased bone density group" (n = 5, 6.4%). The finding of prenatally detected "short femur" represents a group of diverse diagnosis with heterogeneous etiology. GSDs are the most common etiology among fetuses with short extremity.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Second and Third Trimester Screening for Fetal Anomaly

The Appropriateness Criteria for the imaging screening of second and third trimester fetuses for anomalies are presented for fetuses that are low risk, high risk, have had soft markers detected on ultrasound, and have had major anomalies detected on ultrasound. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

No. 261-Prenatal Screening for Fetal Aneuploidy in Singleton Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To develop a Canadian consensus document on maternal screening for fetal aneuploidy (e.g., Down syndrome and trisomy 18) in singleton pregnancies.

OPTIONS

Pregnancy screening for fetal aneuploidy started in the mid 1960s, using maternal age as the screening test. New developments in maternal serum and ultrasound screening have made it possible to offer all pregnant patients a non-invasive screening test to assess their risk of having a fetus with aneuploidy to determine whether invasive prenatal diagnostic testing is necessary. This document reviews the options available for non-invasive screening and makes recommendations for Canadian patients and health care workers.

OUTCOMES

To offer non-invasive screening for fetal aneuploidy (trisomy 13, 18, 21) to all pregnant women. Invasive prenatal diagnosis would be offered to women who screen above a set risk cut-off level on non-invasive screening or to pregnant women whose personal, obstetrical, or family history places them at increased risk. Currently available non-invasive screening options include maternal age combined with one of the following: (1) first trimester screening (nuchal translucency, maternal age, and maternal serum biochemical markers), (2) second trimester serum screening (maternal age and maternal serum biochemical markers), or (3) 2-step integrated screening, which includes first and second trimester serum screening with or without nuchal translucency (integrated prenatal screen, serum integrated prenatal screening, contingent, and sequential). These options are reviewed, and recommendations are made.

EVIDENCE

Studies published between 1982 and 2009 were retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline and CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (aneuploidy, Down syndrome, trisomy, prenatal screening, genetic health risk, genetic health surveillance, prenatal diagnosis). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and relevant observational studies. There were no language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to August 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment- related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. The previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guidelines regarding prenatal screening were also reviewed in developing this clinical practice guideline.

VALUES

The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

This guideline is intended to reduce the number of prenatal invasive procedures done when maternal age is the only indication. This will have the benefit of reducing the numbers of normal pregnancies lost because of complications of invasive procedures. Any screening test has an inherent false- positive rate, which may result in undue anxiety. It is not possible at this time to undertake a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of this guideline, since this would require health surveillance and research and health resources not presently available; however, these factors need to be evaluated in a prospective approach by provincial and territorial initiatives.

RECOMMENDATIONS

A Bayesian risk analysis for Trisomy 21 in isolated choroid plexus cyst: combining a prenatal database with a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to quantify the possible additional risk of a fetus with an isolated choroid plexus cyst (ICPC) for Trisomy 21 by combining a large controlled cohort study with data from existent studies.

METHODS

We searched our prenatal database between 2000 and 2014 for all singleton pregnancies between 18 + 0 and 26 + 6 gestational weeks with either an isolated choroid plexus cyst (study group) or no abnormality found in the detailed ultrasound scan (control group). We assessed all prenatal karyotyping results if invasive testing was performed and attempted to collect the postnatal outcome reports of all patients. The prevalence of Down syndrome was calculated. By using previous studies that met our inclusion criteria, a meta-analysis following the Bayesian Independent Model was created. From this meta-analysis, we computed the posterior predictive distribution of the probability (Trisomy 21 | ICPC) = P1 including posterior means, standard deviations, quantiles (2.5, 50, and 97.5%). By calculating the posterior of the difference (Δ) between the probability (Trisomy 21 | ICPC) and the probability (Trisomy 21 | Normal Ultrasound) = P2, we investigated the additional risk of an ICPC (ΔB = P1-P2).

RESULTS

Overall, we detected 1220 fetuses with an isolated plexus cyst at 19-27 weeks of gestational age (GA). In our study group, the prevalence of Trisomy 21 was 2/1220 (0.16, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6%). The median of the pooled probability of Trisomy 21 given isolated PC across the studies included in the meta-analysis was 0.2% (CI: 0.1-0.4%). In the given periods (GA and time), 66,606 (74.8%) out of 89,056 investigated fetuses met the inclusion criteria and had a normal ultrasound result without any abnormality. The Δ between our study group and the control group was 0.08% (CIΔA: 0-0.5%). Including the meta-analysis, the median of the posterior distribution of Δ between P1 and P2 was 0.08% (CIΔB: 0-0.4%) (ΔB = P1-P2).

CONCLUSION

The posterior distribution of Δ between P1 and P2 including the meta-analysis corresponds to showing no difference between the cases and controls (95% CIΔB: 0-0.4%). The additional risk of a fetus with an ICPC for Trisomy 21 is 97.5% likely to be lower than 0.4% (about 1/250). However, in our collective, the positive predictive value of ICPC for Down syndrome was 0.16% (about 1/625). In prenatal counseling, the additional risk should be added to the individual risk (based on maternal age, earlier screening test results, and sonographic markers) and the diagnostic options including fetal DNA and diagnostic procedures should be discussed according to the posterior individual risk.

Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome analysis of thickened nuchal fold in the second trimester

To summarize the results of prenatal diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with thickened nuchal fold (TNF) in the second trimester.From 2009 to 2016, we studied 72 pregnant women with fetal nuchal fold (NF) measurements over 5 mm at 14 to 19 + 6 weeks or 6 mm at 20 to 28 weeks of gestation who received prenatal diagnosis. Karyotypes were first used to detect common chromosomal diseases, and then chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) was performed if karyotypes were normal. Prognoses were followed up by documentation in the hospital or over the telephone.In total, 12 fetuses with chromosomal defects, including 5 pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) were detected. The risk of chromosomal defects when a TNF was associated with structural malformations (SMs) (35.5%) was much greater than that of an isolated TNF (3.7%) and a TNF associated with soft markers (0%). The rate of SMs when the NF measured ≥10 mm was greater than that NF measured 5 to 7.9 mm or 8 to 9.9 mm. Totally 27 fetuses had adverse pregnancy outcome.A TNF is not only associated with a high risk of trisomy 21 but also with other chromosomal abnormalities, including pathogenic CNVs. The rates of SMs and adverse outcomes increase when the NF thickness increases.

Meta-analysis of validity of echogenic intracardiac foci for calculating the risk of Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy

Echogenic intracardiac foci are a second trimester marker associated with aneuploidy in high-risk populations. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of echogenic intracardiac foci for Down syndrome detection in the second trimester ultrasound scan. A systematic search in major bibliographic databases was carried out (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL). Twenty-five studies about echogenic intracardiac foci were selected for statistical synthesis in this systematic review. Those 25 considered to be relevant were then subjected to critical reading, following the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria, by at least three independent observers. Then, the published articles were subjected to a meta-analysis. A global sensitivity of 21.8% and a 4.1% false positive rate were obtained. The positive likelihood ratio was 5.08 (95% confidence interval, 4.04-6.41). The subgroups analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences. In conclusion, echogenic intracardiac foci as an isolated marker could be a tool to identify-rather than exclude-the high-risk group of Down syndrome, although it should be noted that it shows low sensitivity.

Three-dimensional HDlive imaging of an umbilical cord cyst

Umbilical cord cysts (UCC) are a rare congenital malformation. Previous reports have suggested that the second- and third-trimester UCC may be associated with other structural anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, high-quality imaging is clinically important for the antenatal diagnosis of UCC and to conduct a precise anatomical survey of intrauterine abnormalities. There have been few reports of antenatal diagnosis of UCC with the conventional two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography. In this report, we demonstrate the novel visual depiction of UCC in utero with three-dimensional HDlive imaging, which helps substantially with prenatal diagnosis. A case with an abnormal placental mass at 16 weeks and 5 days of gestation was observed in detail using HDlive. HDlive revealed very realistic images of the intrauterine abnormality: the oval lesion was smooth with regular contours and a homogenous wall at the site of cord insertion on the placenta. In addition, we confirmed the absent of umbilical cord, placental, and fetal structural anomalies. Here, we report a case wherein HDlive may have provided clinically valuable information for prenatal diagnosis of UCC and offered a potential advantage relative to the conventional US.

Services and supports for young children with Down syndrome: parent and provider perspectives

BACKGROUND

As individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and more socially connected lives, early access to supports and services for their parents will ensure an optimal start and improved outcomes. The family's journey begins at the child's diagnosis, and cumulative experiences throughout infancy and childhood set the tone for a lifetime of decisions made by the family regarding services, supports and activities.

METHODS

This study utilized focus groups and interviews with seven nurses, five therapists, 25 service co-ordinators, and 10 English- and three Spanish-speaking parents to better understand family experiences and perceptions on accessing Down syndrome-related perinatal, infant and childhood services and supports.

RESULTS

Parents and providers reflected on key early life issues for children with Down syndrome and their families in five areas: prenatal diagnosis; perinatal care; medical and developmental services; care co-ordination and services; and social and community support.

CONCLUSIONS

Systems of care are not consistently prepared to provide appropriate family-centred services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Individuals with disabilities require formal and informal supports from birth to achieve and maintain a high quality of life.

[Birth of a child with Down syndrome: parental choice or failure of screening policy?]

OBJECTIVES

Birth of a child with Down syndrome (DS) can follow parental choice or failure of screening. The objective of this work is to describe the circumstances of births of children with DS in a French perinatal health network.

METHODS

Retrospective multicentric study, with prospective trial registration of all children born alive with DS, between 2010 and 2013.

RESULTS

Sixty-three children were born with DS. Complete screening was performed by 61 % of patients, incomplete screening by 29 % of patients and no screening test by 10 %. Among these births, 50 % occurred following parental choice, 40 % following failure of screening and for 10 %, parental choice concerning screening was unknown. False negative had often calculating risk close to 1/1000.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the birth of a child with DS occurred following parental choice in half of cases. It's necessary, to optimize the follow-up, to document in medical records the medical information and parental choice concerning DS screening and data of screening when this was done.

First trimester ultrasound assessment for fetal aneuploidy

Screening tests for trisomy 21 have gradually become more refined and now involve complex statistical models that combine demographic, biophysical, and biochemical parameters to produce individualized risk estimates for pregnant women. An understanding of the evolution of the principles, methods, and statistical techniques applied to Down syndrome screening is valuable as these processes can be transferred to other, more prevalent, adverse pregnancy outcomes. First trimester ultrasound forms the foundation of this process.

Influence of second-trimester ultrasound markers for Down syndrome in pregnant women of advanced maternal age

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of second-trimester ultrasound markers on the incidence of Down syndrome among pregnant women of advanced maternal age. This was a retrospective cohort study on 889 singleton pregnancies between the 14th and 30th weeks, with maternal age ≥ 35 years, which would undergo genetic amniocentesis. The second-trimester ultrasound assessed the following markers: increased nuchal fold thickness, cardiac hyperechogenic focus, mild ventriculomegaly, choroid plexus cysts, uni- or bilateral renal pyelectasis, intestinal hyperechogenicity, single umbilical artery, short femur and humerus length, hand/foot alterations, structural fetal malformation, and congenital heart disease. To investigate differences between the groups with and without markers, nonparametric tests consisting of the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used. Moreover, odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Out of the 889 pregnant women, 131 (17.3%) presented markers and 758 (82.7%) did not present markers on the second-trimester ultrasound. Increased nuchal fold (P < 0.001) and structural malformation (P < 0.001) were the markers most associated with Down syndrome. The presence of one marker increased the relative risk 10.5-fold, while the presence of two or more markers increased the risk 13.5-fold. The presence of markers on the second-trimester ultrasound, especially thickened nuchal fold and structural malformation, increased the risk of Down syndrome among pregnant women with advanced maternal age.

Impact of gestational age on nuchal fold thickness in the second trimester

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to establish gestational age (GA)-specific nomograms for nuchal fold thickness between 16 and 24 weeks.

METHODS

This retrospective cross sectional study included 32,207 women who underwent a second-trimester anomaly scan at the Fetal Care Center of National University Hospital from January 2005 to April 2011. Nomograms were plotted for nuchal fold thickness at each gestation to study its variation with GA.

RESULTS

Nuchal fold thickness increased with GA in a linear manner from 3.13 ± 0.68 mm (mean ± SD) at 16 weeks to 5.08 ± 0.76 mm at 24 weeks. The 95th percentile measurement at 24 weeks remained less than 6 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

A threshold of 6 mm appears to be appropriate for the diagnosis of a thick nuchal fold even for gestations between 20 and 24 weeks.

Ultrasonographic fetal soft markers in a low-risk population: prevalence, association with trisomies and invasive tests

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of soft markers identified at second trimester ultrasound in a low-risk population and the association of these markers with trisomies and invasive testing.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Swedish University Hospital.

POPULATION

All women with fetuses examined by ultrasound at 15(+0) -22(+0)  weeks gestation between July 2008 and March 2011.

METHODS

Cases with soft markers were compared with non-cases with regard to trisomies and invasive testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of soft markers, likelihood ratio for trisomies and risk ratio for invasive tests after detection of soft markers.

RESULTS

Second trimester ultrasound was performed on 10 710 fetuses. Markers were detected in 5.9% of fetuses. 5.1% were isolated, 0.7% were multiple and 0.1% were combined with an anomaly. Presence of markers showed a positive likelihood ratio for Down syndrome, but the association (likelihood ratio = 7.1) was only statistically significant for the combined category of any marker (isolated, multiple or combined with anomaly). The risk ratio for invasive testing after the second trimester ultrasound was 24.0 in pregnancies with isolated soft markers compared with those without markers.

CONCLUSION

In a low-risk population, soft markers were found in 5.9% of fetuses at second trimester ultrasound. The likelihood ratio for Down syndrome was significant only for any marker (isolated, multiple or combined with anomaly). The presence of soft markers increased the incidence of invasive procedures substantially. Soft markers should be noted when information on second trimester ultrasound is formulated, and all units performing fetal ultrasound examinations should have established routines concerning information management when soft markers are identified.

The role of fetal echocardiography in the assessment of fetal aneuploidy

Advances in both imaging technology and understanding of fetal cardiac disease have contributed to a dramatic increase in the sensitivity and specificity of fetal echocardiography over the last few decades. Fetal echocardiography now plays an important role in the prenatal evaluation of fetuses with known or suspected aneuploidy. In this article, specific situations in which fetal echocardiography has a part in noninvasive aneuploidy screening algorithms are discussed.

Isolated fetal pyelectasis and the risk of Down syndrome: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

We performed a meta-analysis to examine the performance of second-trimester (14-24 weeks' gestation) isolated fetal pyelectasis as a marker for trisomy 21 and to calculate its associated weighted pooled likelihood ratios.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms 'pyelectasis' and 'pelviectasis'. Studies were included if fetuses with isolated pyelectasis were reported separately from fetuses with other soft markers of aneuploidy and/or structural anomalies and if knowledge of the fetal karyotype was unknown at the time of ultrasound examination.

RESULTS

Individual study statistics were pooled as weighted positive and negative likelihood ratios with 95% CIs, using a random-effects model. Ten observational studies were included (2148 cases of isolated pyelectasis). Isolated fetal pyelectasis was defined in seven out of 10 studies as a renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter of ≥ 4 mm. Isolated fetal pyelectasis was associated with pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios of 2.78 (95% CI, 1.75-4.43) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of isolated fetal pyelectasis on mid-trimester ultrasound is associated with an increased likelihood of trisomy 21. If the finding of isolated fetal pyelectasis is used to adjust the trisomy 21 risk from maternal serum screening tests, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.78 should be used in the calculation.

Survey of prenatal counselling practices regarding aneuploidy risk modification, invasive diagnostic procedure risks, and procedure eligibility criteria in Canadian centres

OBJECTIVE

To explore prenatal practices related to aneuploidy screening, risk modification, and invasive diagnostic procedures across Canadian centres.

METHODS

We conducted a survey of members of the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, the Canadian College of Medical Genetics, and the Canadian Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine, who provide direct counselling or management of prenatal patients in Canada.

RESULTS

Eighty-two of 157 respondents indicated that their centre's definition of advanced maternal age was ≥ 35 years, with 33/157 respondents reporting an advanced maternal age definition of ≥ 40 years. The majority of respondents reported that prenatal serum screening for aneuploidy is provincially funded in their province or territory (121/147). The majority of respondents who reported that prenatal screening is not provincially funded (17/147) were from Quebec (14/17). Thirty-nine of 123 respondents reported that their centre defines increased nuchal translucency as ≥ 3.0 mm, whereas 49/123 reported a definition of ≥ 3.5 mm. Sixty-four of 150 respondents reported that the aneuploidy risk provided by serum screening is modified by a soft marker likelihood ratio, whereas 46/150 respondents reported that both age-related and serum screening risks are modified. Fifty-nine of 124 respondents reported that their centre will modify aneuploidy risk after a normal ultrasound; the most commonly cited negative likelihood ratio was 0.5. The most commonly reported procedure-related risk for chorionic villus sampling was 1/100 (123/147) and for amniocentesis was 1/200 (73/142).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates inconsistencies in prenatal practices and access to screening programs across Canada. The information gained from this study will inform policy advisors developing prenatal practice guidelines at both the provincial and national levels.

The oldest gravidas: a review of pregnancy risks in women over 45

As a result of delayed childbearing and increasingly sophisticated assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy in women aged ≥45 years is becoming more common. Women in this age-group should receive thorough preconception evaluation and counseling about their specific risks in pregnancy. Although many pregnancies in women >45 years old are achieved via assisted reproductive technologies with associated preconception counseling, as many as 45% may be spontaneously conceived. It is therefore important for obstetrician-gynecologists to incorporate education for older women about the risks of pregnancy into routine office visits, and to ask women in this age-group about pregnancy planning. Additionally, many pregnancies in women aged >45 years may be safely managed in a nontertiary care center, avoiding the need for referral and transfer of care to an unfamiliar setting. This review addresses preconception evaluation and counseling, real and perceived risks in older mothers, common pregnancy complications and management of pregnancy in women >45 years old.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this article, the reader should be better able to counsel women about the risks of pregnancy for women aged ≥45, evaluate older women for common risk factors that may further increase risk in pregnancy, assess pregnancy complications that are more common in women aged >45, and manage otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies in women in this age-group.

Prenatal ultrasound screening: false positive soft markers may alter maternal representations and mother-infant interaction

BACKGROUND

In up to 5% of pregnancies, ultrasound screening detects a "soft marker" (SM) that places the foetus at risk for a severe abnormality. In most cases, prenatal diagnostic work-up rules out a severe defect. We aimed to study the effects of false positive SM on maternal emotional status, maternal representations of the infant, and mother-infant interaction.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Utilizing an extreme-case prospective case control design, we selected from a group of 244 women undergoing ultrasound, 19 pregnant women whose foetus had a positive SM screening and a reassuring diagnostic work up, and 19 controls without SM matched for age and education. In the third trimester of pregnancy, within one week after delivery, and 2 months postpartum, we assessed anxiety, depression, and maternal representations. Mother-infant interactions were videotaped during feeding within one week after delivery and again at 2 months postpartum and coded blindly using the Coding Interactive Behavior (CIB) scales. Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher at all assessment points in the SM group. Maternal representations were also different between SM and control groups at all study time. Perturbations to early mother-infant interactions were observed in the SM group. These dyads showed greater dysregulation, lower maternal sensitivity, higher maternal intrusive behaviour and higher infant avoidance. Multivariate analysis showed that maternal representation and depression at third trimester predicted mother-infant interaction.

CONCLUSION

False positive ultrasound screenings for SM are not benign and negatively affect the developing maternal-infant attachment. Medical efforts should be directed to minimize as much as possible such false diagnoses, and to limit their psychological adverse consequences.

Pränatale Detektion fetaler chromosomaler Aberrationen im 1. und 2. Trimenon

Die modernen nichtinvasiven Verfahren der pränatalen Medizin, vertreten vor allem durch das Ersttrimesterscreening, ermöglichen eine frühe Risikoeinschätzung bzgl. der häufigsten Aneuploidien. Durch die flächendeckende Anwendung dieser Methode mit derzeit weit über 4000 zertifizierten Gynäkologen bundesweit stellt dies heute einen weit verbreiteten Standard dar. Die klassische „genetische“ Sonographie, d. h. die Detektierung von Softmarkern als Hinweiszeichen für eine Aneuploidie im 2. Trimenon, hat an Bedeutung verloren. Allerdings ist der Fehlbildungsultraschall im 2. Trimenon nach wie vor von sehr großer Bedeutung und stellt den „Goldstandard“ für die Entdeckung angeborener Fehlbildungen dar. Der Pränatalmediziner muss in der Lage sein, während dieser Untersuchung Softmarker zu erkennen, um ggf. eine Reevalution des mütterlichen Risikos bzgl. Aneuploidien vorzunehmen.

Prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy in singleton pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To develop a Canadian consensus document on maternal screening for fetal aneuploidy (e.g., Down syndrome and trisomy 18) in singleton pregnancies.

OPTIONS

Pregnancy screening for fetal aneuploidy started in the mid 1960s, using maternal age as the screening test. New developments in maternal serum and ultrasound screening have made it possible to offer all pregnant patients a non-invasive screening test to assess their risk of having a fetus with aneuploidy to determine whether invasive prenatal diagnostic testing is necessary. This document reviews the options available for non-invasive screening and makes recommendations for Canadian patients and health care workers.

OUTCOMES

To offer non-invasive screening for fetal aneuploidy (trisomy 13, 18, 21) to all pregnant women. Invasive prenatal diagnosis would be offered to women who screen above a set risk cut-off level on non-invasive screening or to pregnant women whose personal, obstetrical, or family history places them at increased risk. Currently available non-invasive screening options include maternal age combined with one of the following: (1) first trimester screening (nuchal translucency, maternal age, and maternal serum biochemical markers), (2) second trimester serum screening (maternal age and maternal serum biochemical markers), or (3) 2-step integrated screening, which includes first and second trimester serum screening with or without nuchal translucency (integrated prenatal screen, serum integrated prenatal screening, contingent, and sequential). These options are reviewed, and recommendations are made.

EVIDENCE

Studies published between 1982 and 2009 were retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline and CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (aneuploidy, Down syndrome, trisomy, prenatal screening, genetic health risk, genetic health surveillance, prenatal diagnosis). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and relevant observational studies. There were no language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to August 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. The previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guidelines regarding prenatal screening were also reviewed in developing this clinical practice guideline.

VALUES

The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

This guideline is intended to reduce the number of prenatal invasive procedures done when maternal age is the only indication. This will have the benefit of reducing the numbers of normal pregnancies lost because of complications of invasive procedures. Any screening test has an inherent false-positive rate, which may result in undue anxiety. It is not possible at this time to undertake a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of this guideline, since this would require health surveillance and research and health resources not presently available; however, these factors need to be evaluated in a prospective approach by provincial and territorial initiatives. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. All pregnant women in Canada, regardless of age, should be offered, through an informed counselling process, the option of a prenatal screening test for the most common clinically significant fetal aneuploidies in addition to a second trimester ultrasound for dating, assessment of fetal anatomy, and detection of multiples. (I-A) 2. Counselling must be non-directive and must respect a woman's right to accept or decline any or all of the testing or options offered at any point in the process. (III-A) 3. Maternal age alone is a poor minimum standard for prenatal screening for aneuploidy, and it should not be used a basis for recommending invasive testing when non-invasive prenatal screening for aneuploidy is available. (II-2A) 4. Invasive prenatal diagnosis for cytogenetic analysis should not be performed without multiple marker screening results except for women who are at increased risk of fetal aneuploidy (a) because of ultrasound findings, (b) because the pregnancy was conceived by in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or (c) because the woman or her partner has a history of a previous child or fetus with a chromosomal abnormality or is a carrier of a chromosome rearrangement that increases the risk of having a fetus with a chromosomal abnormality. (II-2E) 5. At minimum, any prenatal screen offered to Canadian women who present for care in the first trimester should have a detection rate of 75% with no more than a 3% false-positive rate. The performance of the screen should be substantiated by annual audit. (III-B) 6. The minimum standard for women presenting in the second trimester should be a screen that has a detection rate of 75% with no more than a 5% false-positive rate. The performance of the screen should be substantiated by annual audit. (III-B) 7. First trimester nuchal translucency should be interpreted for risk assessment only when measured by sonographers or sonologists trained and accredited for this service and when there is ongoing quality assurance (II-2A), and it should not be offered as a screen without biochemical markers in singleton pregnancies. (I-E) 8. Evaluation of the fetal nasal bone in the first trimester should not be incorporated as a screen unless it is performed by sonographers or sonologists trained and accredited for this service and there is ongoing quality assurance. (II-2E) 9. For women who undertake first trimester screening, second trimester serum alpha fetoprotein screening and/or ultrasound examination is recommended to screen for open neural tube defects. (II-1A) 10. Timely referral and access is critical for women and should be facilitated to ensure women are able to undergo the type of screening test they have chosen as first trimester screening. The first steps of integrated screening (with or without nuchal translucency), contingent, or sequential screening are performed in an early and relatively narrow time window. (II-1A) 11. Ultrasound dating should be performed if menstrual or conception dating is unreliable. For any abnormal serum screen calculated on the basis of menstrual dating, an ultrasound should be done to confirm gestational age. (II-1A) 12. The presence or absence of soft markers or anomalies in the 18- to 20-week ultrasound can be used to modify the a priori risk of aneuploidy established by age or prior screening. (II-2B) 13. Information such as gestational dating, maternal weight, ethnicity, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and use of assisted reproduction technologies should be provided to the laboratory to improve accuracy of testing. (II-2A) 14. Health care providers should be aware of the screening modalities available in their province or territory. (III-B) 15. A reliable system needs to be in place ensuring timely reporting of results. (III-C) 16. Screening programs should be implemented with resources that support audited screening and diagnostic laboratory services, ultrasound, genetic counselling services, patient and health care provider education, and high quality diagnostic testing, as well as resources for administration, annual clinical audit, and data management. In addition, there must be the flexibility and funding to adjust the program to new technology and protocols. (II-3B).

Contribution of "modified genetic sonography" to the combined test as a screening method for chromosomal abnormalities

OBJECTIVES

We propose to assess the contribution of "modified genetic sonography" (MGS) to the combined test (CT) as a method of stepwise sequential screening (1st step: CT, 2nd step: MGS) for chromosome abnormalities in the general population of pregnant women.

METHODS

Prospective study. During a 4 year study period (July 2005-June 2009) 16,548 pregnancies underwent a CT combined with MGS (major malformation and nuchal fold) as a screening method for chromosome abnormalities. We assessed sensitivity and false positive rate (FPR) (95% CI).

RESULTS

We offered a chromosome abnormalities screening test to 96.6% of pregnancies (15,995 cases). 14,160 cases are analyzed (1st step: CT, 2nd step: MGS) including 49 chromosome abnormalities and 35 Down's syndrome (DS). The sensitivity of CT for DS was 77.1% [95% CI, 63.2-91] (27/35) and 77.5% for all chromosome abnormalities [95% CI, 65.8-89.2] (38/49) with a FPR of 4.4% [95% CI, 4.1-4.7]. If MGS was combined with CT, the sensitivity for DS was 91.4% [95% CI, 82.1-99] (32/35) and 93.8% for all chromosome abnormalities [95% CI, 87-99] (46/49) for a FPR of 5.1% [95% CI, 4.7-5.5].

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of an MGS to combined first-trimester screening test for aneuploidy improved sensitivity by 14.3% while only increasing the FPR by 0.7%.

Facts first, then reaction--expectant fathers' experiences of an ultrasound screening identifying soft markers

BACKGROUND

expectant fathers often attend pregnancy ultrasound but their needs are poorly examined, especially in connection with adverse findings.

OBJECTIVE

to explore men's expectations of routine ultrasound and experiences when soft markers were discovered.

DESIGN/SETTING

a qualitative study at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden where semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 expectant fathers 6-12 weeks after the discovery of a soft marker at the routine ultrasound scan.

FINDINGS

five major themes emerged: (1) 'immediate reaction: frustration and thoughts about consequences', (2) 'need for facts to gain control', (3) 'concern about the partner', (4) 'in retrospect: almost okay but routines need changing' and (5) 'amniocenteses or not: a joint decision with several considerations'.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTISE

these findings contribute important knowledge about men's needs related to pregnancy ultrasound with unexpected findings, and their role in decision-making concerning fetal diagnostics. Our results show that men enter a role of a kind of fact manager and have both a psychological need as well as the capacity to perceive important information during the process following the detection of a soft marker in the fetus. Practitioners conducting pregnancy ultrasound should therefore have relevant knowledge to be able to provide immediate information about soft markers, including risk assessment for chromosomal defects. In addition to this, written information about soft markers should be available to expecting parents in this situation.

Fetal genitourinary anomalies--a pictorial review with postnatal correlation

An accurate diagnosis of fetal genitourinary abnormality is essential because some genitourinary abnormalities are associated with pulmonary hypoplasia, which ultimately affects the neonatal outcome. Adrenal masses are rare; however, presence of any lesion located at the superior pole of the kidney should raise the possibility of an adrenal mass. Fetal genital anomalies are rare as well and some of the most difficult to diagnose. A combination and pattern of findings allows for specific diagnosis of renal tract abnormalities. This article reviews the imaging appearance of fetal genitourinary abnormalities with perinatal imaging correlation where available.

Did I really want to know this? Pregnant women's reaction to detection of a soft marker during ultrasound screening

OBJECTIVE

To investigate women's expectations of routine ultrasound and experiences when soft markers were discovered: what the disclosure meant, how it affected them, how they experienced the information given and why they did or did not choose amniocentesis.

DESIGN

Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 women 25-30 weeks into the pregnancy, 7-13 weeks after the discovery of a soft marker.

FINDINGS

Women lacked knowledge about the potential of the scan and detection of soft markers created strong emotional reactions that women thought could have been alleviated by prior information about potential findings. Information in connection with the scan was perceived as insufficient. Decision about amniocentesis was affected by attitudes to disability, anxiety about fetal loss due to the procedure, need for certainty by a diagnostic test, and partner's opinion.

CONCLUSIONS

Women were shocked by the unexpected and sometimes unwanted information on elevated risk for a chromosomal aberration for which they lacked any preparation. Because this event often has long-lasting effects on the pregnancy, models of information that are efficient in promoting informed decisions are imperative.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Both women and their partners need relevant information before and in connection with ultrasound scan to be able to make informed choices.

Evaluation of the usefulness of the fetal femur length with respect to gestational age to detect Down syndrome in Korean subjects

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the usefulness of shortening of the fetal femur length (FL) to predict Down syndrome at different gestational ages in Korean subjects.

METHODS

This study involved 110 Korean Down syndrome fetuses and 602 randomly selected euploid controls. The expected FL for any biparietal diameter (BPD) was calculated based on the control group data. Subjects were divided into four groups according to gestational age periods: 14-18 weeks; 19-23 weeks; 24-28 weeks and 29-36 weeks. The value of measured/expected FL ratio to predict Down syndrome was analyzed for each group.

RESULTS

The values of FL for any BPD in Down syndrome patients were significantly different from those in the control group (p < 0.001). A low ratio of measured/expected FL increased the risk of fetal Down syndrome (p < 0.001) with a mean measured/expected FL in Down syndrome of 0.907 (SD 0.075). At a fixed false positive rate of 5%, the sensitivities of FL were lower than 32.8% (95% CI 0.705-0.915) in three second trimester groups, and 71.1% (95% CI 0.924-0.997) in the third trimester group.

CONCLUSION

Short FL is a poor marker of Down syndrome in the second trimester in Korean subject. It may be used as a screening marker only in the third trimester.

[First trimester screening for Down syndrome: five years prospective experience]

First trimester screening for Down syndrome is yet to become the first intention strategy in France. This screening program at 11-14 weeks of gestation using maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency, maternal serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A has already been validated for a long time by many international studies. It seems to improve detection rate and decrease false positive rates. We report here five years prospective experience.

Nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone absence or hypoplasia, ductus venosus reversed flow and tricuspid valve regurgitation in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in the early second trimester

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the performance of nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone hypoplasia, reversed flow in the ductus venosus and tricuspid valve regurgitation in the prediction of fetal aneuploidies in the early second trimester.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 870 fetuses at 14 + 0 to 17 + 6 weeks of gestation, performed from 2005 to 2007. In all cases we assessed classical structural anomalies, second-trimester markers of aneuploidy including nuchal fold thickness and nasal bone length, as well as ductus venosus blood flow pattern and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

RESULTS

The study group included 37 fetuses with trisomy 21, eight with trisomy 18 and four with trisomy 13. Nasal bone hypoplasia was the single most sensitive parameter to identify fetuses with trisomy 21. Independent from maternal age, screening by assessment of nuchal fold and nasal bone identified 64.9% of cases with trisomy 21 and 66.7% of cases with trisomy 18/13 (false-positive rate (FPR), 5.8%). By including ductus venosus and tricuspid flow evaluation, the detection rate increased to 75.7% for trisomy 21 and 83.3% for trisomy 18/13 (FPR, 10.8%). Identification of fetuses with structural abnormalities combined with assessment of all four markers under investigation raised the detection rate of trisomy 21 to 83.9% and that of trisomy 18/13 to 100%. The sensitivity of classical second-trimester markers was 62.2% for trisomy 21 and 70.6% for other autosomal aneuploidies (FPR, 11.3%).

CONCLUSION

The combination of assessment of nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone hypoplasia, ductus venosus reversed flow and tricuspid regurgitation in the early second trimester is associated with a higher detection rate of autosomal trisomies compared with classical second-trimester marker screening.

Screening for fetal aneuploidy and neural tube defects

Maternal serum screening for neural tube defects and fetal aneuploidy in the second trimester has been incorporated into obstetrical practice over the past two decades. Now, as a result of several multicenter trials, first trimester screening between 11 and 14 weeks has been shown to be an effective and reliable screening test for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. This policy updates the American College of Medical Genetics policy statement entitled Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening for Fetal Open Neural Tube Defects and Aneuploidy (2004), incorporates First trimester diagnosis and screening for fetal aneuploidy (2008) and complements the sections of American College of Medical Genetic’s Standards and Guidelines for Clinical Genetics Laboratories entitled Prenatal Screening for Down syndrome (2005) and Prenatal Screening for Open Neural Tube Defects (2005).

Role of second-trimester genetic sonography after Down syndrome screening

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the effectiveness of second-trimester genetic sonography in modifying Down syndrome screening test results.

METHODS

The First and Second Trimester Evaluation of Risk (FASTER) aneuploidy screening trial participants were studied from 13 centers where a 15- to 23-week genetic sonogram was performed in the same center. Midtrimester Down syndrome risks were estimated for five screening test policies: first-trimester combined, second-trimester quadruple, and testing sequentially by integrated, stepwise, or contingent protocols. The maternal age-specific risk and the screening test risk were modified using likelihood ratios derived from the ultrasound findings. Separate likelihood ratios were obtained for the presence or absence of at least one major fetal structural malformation and for each "soft" sonographic marker statistically significant at the P<.005 level. Detection and false-positive rate were calculated for the genetic sonogram alone and for each test before and after risk modification.

RESULTS

A total of 7,842 pregnancies were studied, including 59 with Down syndrome. Major malformations and 8 of the 18 soft markers evaluated were highly significant. The detection rate for a 5% false-positive rate for the genetic sonogram alone was 69%; the detection rate increased from 81% to 90% with the combined test, from 81% to 90% with the quadruple test, from 93% to 98% with the integrated test, from 97% to 98% with the stepwise test, and from 95% to 97% with the contingent test. The stepwise and contingent use of the genetic sonogram after first-trimester screening both yielded a 90% detection rate.

CONCLUSION

Genetic sonography can increase detection rates substantially for combined and quadruple tests and more modestly for sequential protocols. Substituting sonography for quadruple markers in sequential screening was not useful.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Prenatal testing for Down syndrome: comparison of screening practices in the UK and USA

Prenatal testing for Down Syndrome is a topic covered in every genetic counselor's training as it constitutes the main workload of genetic counselors in prenatal settings. Most Western countries nowadays offer some type of testing for Down Syndrome. However, practices vary according to country with regards to what tests are offered, insurance coverage and the legal situation concerning the option of terminating an affected pregnancy. In view of the growing interest in international genetic counseling issues, this article aims to compare prenatal testing practices in two English-speaking countries: the United Kingdom and the United States of America. A case will be presented to highlight some of the differences in practice. The topic underlines important implications for genetic counseling practice, such as patients' understanding of testing practices, risk perception, counseling provision and impact of prenatal testing results.

Second trimester prenatal ultrasound for the detection of pregnancies at increased risk of Trisomy 18 based on serum screening

OBJECTIVE

To describe ultrasound findings in fetuses with Trisomy 18.

METHODS

Prospective population-based cohort study of second trimester ultrasound among Californian women who were at increased risk of chromosome abnormality based on serum screening between November 1999 and April 2001. Structural anomalies plus the following soft markers were assessed: nuchal fold thickening, choroid plexus cyst (CPC), echogenic intracardiac focus, echogenic bowel, renal pyelectasis, clenched hands; clinodactyly; short femur, short humerus and a single umbilical artery (SUA).

RESULTS

Overall, 8763 women underwent ultrasound evaluation, including 56 whose fetuses had Trisomy 18. Ultrasound anomalies were seen in 89% of Trisomy 18 fetuses, as compared with 14% of normal fetuses. If the genetic sonogram was normal (no structural anomaly and no soft marker), the risk was reduced by approximately 90%. The ultrasound soft markers were typically seen in conjunction with structural anomalies in affected fetuses and in the absence of a structural anomaly, most isolated ultrasound soft markers were not associated with Trisomy 18. The only exception was an isolated CPC, seen as the only finding in 11% of fetuses with Trisomy 18.

CONCLUSIONS

If the genetic sonogram is used as a sequential test following serum biochemistry, a normal ultrasound study reduces the likelihood of Trisomy 18 substantially even if a woman has abnormal serum biochemistry. The presence of an isolated CPC raises the risk, but not high enough to prompt invasive testing.

Information for better or for worse: interviews with parents when their foetus was found to have choroid plexus cysts at a routine second trimester ultrasound

The aim of the study was to gain a theoretical understanding of parents' experiences and handling of the situation, when their foetus was diagnosed as having choroid plexus cysts, at a routine second trimester ultrasound examination. Nine couples and one mother were interviewed using one open question. Analysis method was Grounded Theory. The main concern was anxiety and the core category became need for knowledge. The other categories were frightening and confusing, judging risk and making a choice and comforting. The parents felt information during the ultrasound examination was insufficient. The time delay between the diagnosis and the doctor's appointment was also often criticized. Most of the parents in this study wanted to know what can be diagnosed by ultrasound, even if there is a small risk that the child will have a malformation or chromosome abnormality. However, when the diagnosis is made, they need adequate information, otherwise unnecessary anxiety arises. By giving sufficient information without days of delay, anxiety can hopefully be minimized. Some written information was also requested. It is of utmost importance that the staff use the same terminology and the correct name of the soft marker to the parents.

Second-trimester genetic sonogram for detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in a community-based antenatal testing unit

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of the second-trimester genetic sonogram for the detection of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities in a community-based antenatal testing unit.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study using data from two community hospital antenatal ultrasound units. Six hundred and sixty fetal ultrasound examinations in both at-risk (n = 581) and low-risk (n = 79) pregnancies were performed from 15 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks' gestation and all cases were verified for outcome data. The sonographic detection of a major congenital anomaly or a sonographic marker (increased nuchal skinfold, short humerus, short femur, echogenic bowel, pyelectasis, echogenic intracardiac focus, absence or hypoplasia of fifth mid phalanx or choroid plexus cyst) was recorded. The entire group of 660 ultrasound examinations as well as subgroups with and without non-ultrasound risk factors for a fetal chromosomal abnormality were analyzed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio for the detection of Down syndrome and other fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

RESULTS

There were 32 (4.85%) chromosomal abnormalities in our study population. Twelve (3.75%) of these were Down syndrome, of which eight (66.6%) had a positive ultrasound examination in the second trimester. Six of seven (85.7%) of the trisomy 18 fetuses, 2/2 of the trisomy 13 fetuses and 2/3 of the non-mosaic 45,X fetuses had positive sonograms. The overall detection rate for chromosomal abnormalities was 20/32 (sensitivity, 62.5%; specificity, 80.7%; negative predictive value, 97.7%; positive predictive value, 14.2%; positive likelihood ratio, 3.24). Major structural defects and sonographic markers, excluding hypoplastic fifth digit and choroid plexus cyst, occurred significantly more frequently in Down syndrome cases compared with normal ones.

CONCLUSIONS

In a community-based antenatal testing unit we have demonstrated a detection rate for fetal Down syndrome with the second-trimester genetic sonogram that is comparable to the range of sensitivities reported by larger centers involving primarily high-risk patients. However, only 12 of the 32 fetal chromosomal abnormalities that we encountered were Down syndrome.

Comparison of the efficiency of second-trimester nasal bone hypoplasia and increased nuchal fold in Down syndrome screening

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of second-trimester nasal bone hypoplasia (NB) and increased nuchal fold (NF) in Down syndrome screening.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective multicenter cohort study of women who underwent an anatomic survey between 16 and 22 weeks of gestation. The fetal NB and other markers of fetal aneuploidy that included NF were evaluated. NB was defined either as an absent NB or length of <0.75 multiples of the median for the gestational age. Two definitions of increased NF (>5 mm and >6 mm) were evaluated. Fetuses or infants with Down syndrome were compared with those fetuses without for the presence of NB and increased NF.

RESULTS

Among 4373 pregnancies that were evaluated over a 5-year period, there were 50 pregnancies with Down syndrome. NB evaluation was obtained in 3936 of 4373 pregnancies (90%); NF was evaluated in all of the fetuses. Absent NB was seen in 14/49 cases (29%), and NF of >6 mm was seen in 6 of 50 cases (12%) with Down syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Nasal bone and nuchal fold are efficient markers for Down syndrome. Absent nasal bone was a better predictor of Down syndrome, compared with nuchal fold, and should be a standard marker when a second-trimester genetic sonogram is performed.

Time to reconsider our approach to echogenic intracardiac focus and choroid plexus cysts

Ultrasound soft markers are commonly reported at mid-trimester ultrasounds. Soft markers frequently arouse anxiety in the patient, her family, and the referring clinician. Recent publications have raised concerns that this anxiety may be unfounded. The significance of an echogenic intracardiac focus or choroid plexus cyst in particular is no longer certain. It may be time to discard these two markers; especially if they are reported in isolation and in a patient who is otherwise at low risk for aneuploidy.