The Value of Nuchal Translucency Measurement as an Early Predictor of Congenital Fetal Malformation

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the value of the nuchal translucency measurement during the period from 10th to the 14th week of gestation in predicting the possibility of congenital malformation in these fetuses.

BACKDROUND: First trimester screening is typically conducted between the 11th and 13th wks 6 days of gestation. At this time nuchal translucency (NT), free beta subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (f B-hCG) are powerful markers for detection of fetal conditions

METHODS:  One hundred twenty women will be recruited from Obstetrics and Gynecology department during the period of the research in Menoufyia University Hospital. Thorough history taking ,Full examination, Routine laboratory investigations , HCG, and PAPP-A., U/S was done for nuchal translucency a normal value is usually less than roughly 2.5 - 3.0 mm in thickness, Follow up till delivery of the fetus.

RESULTS: The total number in the study was 120 cases, 4 cases of 11 cases with CFMF were with positive family history. NT  in  the  affected  fetuses  with a mean 2.65 mm in first group and 3.3 mm in second group which reflects a highly significant relationship , The cutoff point of NT is 2.55 mm with a sensitivity 73.6% and specificity 80.3% while combined NT ,B-HCG and PAPP-A has 100% sensitivity and 35.8% specificity.

CONCLUSION: Prenatal screening become now an integral part of obstetric care and raises the responsibility and awareness of neonatal care. Most women prefer to undergo screening first to find out if the fetus`s risk of birth defect is high

KEYWORDS:

Nuchal translucency

Free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (f B-hCG)

Congenital malformation.

Posted by: mahy nabil egiz, assist lecturer obstetrics and gynecology department, menofia faculty of medicine, menofia university and faculty of medicine, Egypt (03-Sep-2014)