OP12.03: To see or not to see anomalies: the nuchal translucency as a magnifying glass?

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of an increased nuchal translucency (NT) during the first-trimester anomaly scan on the timing of diagnosis of structural anomalies. In a prospective study, we evaluated 5534 consecutive fetuses (of which 354 with increased a priori risk), with a Crown–rump length (CRL) of 45-84 mm and a gestational age between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks, using transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography. Two referral centres (University Medical Centre in Groningen and Isala Hospital in Zwolle) and 6 ultrasound practices in the province of Groningen and Overijssel participated in the study. To compare differences in categorical variables, the chi-square test or Fisher's Exact test, as appropriate, were used. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 (two-sided). Of 5534 cases, mean maternal age was 32.58 (17-53) years. The mean gestational age was 12.76 weeks (11.00-13.86). In case of an increased nuchal translucency (>p95) the time of diagnosis of an anomaly seems to be earlier (table 1). Timing of diagnosis seems to be earlier in the group of fetuses with increased NT.