Trimester Ultrasound Scan Research Articles

Feasibility of Fetal Portal Venous System Ultrasound Assessment at the FT Anomaly Scan.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the first trimester (FT) ultrasound scan (US) for the evaluation of the fetal portal venous system (PVS) anatomy, and to evaluate the potential of microcopy for a proper pathology evaluation for the PVS in the FT. Methods: We evaluated the PVS in 200 scan examinations performed in FT pregnancy. Half of the cases were scanned by two operators with extensive experience in obstetric ultrasound—Group I, and the other half was evaluated by two sonographers with less experience—Group II. Second-trimester US and autopsy in terminated pregnancies were used as follow-up. The pathologic evaluation was supported by microscopy. Results: all PVS features were successfully assessed by transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) in 27% of the Group I cases and 14% in Group II. These rates increased to 88% in Group I and in 72% in Group II, after rescanning and using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). The conditions that led to rescanning and TVUS were: BMI greater than 24 in 26% cases, unfavorable fetal position (12.32%), retroverted uterus (12.32%), abdominal scar (10.96%), fibroids (4.11%), and combinations of the above (34.23%). The L-shaped UV confluence was identified transabdominally in 91% in Group I and in 79% in Group II and increased to 98% and 95%, respectively, following reevaluations. Microscopy represented a useful audit in all FT investigated cases. Conclusions: At the end of the FT, the visualization of a normal L-shaped UV confluence, that excludes major PVS abnormalities, is achievable in approx. 80%, indifferently the examiners experience. The sonographers experience, pregnant women BMI, and uterine anomalies as fibroids or retroversion significantly affect the rate of visualization, and necessitates vaginal approach and reexamination. The FT pathology, the audit of the ultrasound findings can only be performed microscopically, with relatively little resources involved and good results.

Isolated Increased Nuchal Translucency in First Trimester Ultrasound Scan: Diagnostic Yield of Prenatal Microarray and Outcome of Pregnancy.

Background: Increased nuchal translucency (NT) is associated with aneuploidy. When the karyotype is normal, fetuses are still at risk for structural anomalies and genetic syndromes. Our study researched the diagnostic yield of prenatal microarray in a cohort of fetuses with isolated increased NT (defined as NT ≥ 3.5 mm) and questioned whether prenatal microarray is a useful tool in determining the adverse outcomes of the pregnancy.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed, in which 166 women, pregnant with a fetus with isolated increased NT (ranging from 3.5 to 14.3 mm with a mean of 5.4 mm) were offered karyotyping and subsequent prenatal microarray when karyotype was normal. Additionally, all ongoing pregnancies of fetuses with normal karyotype were followed up with regard to postnatal outcome. The follow-up time after birth was maximally 4 years.Results: Totally, 149 of 166 women opted for prenatal testing. Seventy-seven fetuses showed normal karyotype (52%). Totally, 73 of 77 fetuses with normal karyotype did not show additional anomalies on an early first trimester ultrasound. Totally, 40 of 73 fetuses received prenatal microarray of whom 3 fetuses had an abnormal microarray result: two pathogenic findings (2/40) and one incidental carrier finding. In 73 fetuses with an isolated increased NT, 21 pregnancies showed abnormal postnatal outcome (21/73, 28.8%), 29 had a normal outcome (29/73, 40%), and 23 were lost to follow-up (23/73, 31.5%). Seven out of 73 live-born children showed an adverse outcome (9.6%).Conclusions: Prenatal microarray in fetuses with isolated increased NT had a 5% (2/40) increased diagnostic yield compared to conventional karyotyping. Even with a normal microarray, fetuses with an isolated increased NT had a 28.8% risk of either pregnancy loss or an affected child.

Evaluation of Sonographic Measurement of Umbilical Cord Coiling Index in the Second Trimester and Its Correlation to Perinatal Outcome

The umbilical cord represents a unique lifeline between the fetus and mother and contains two arteries and one vein wrapped up in Wharton’s jelly with moderate twists. Umbilical coiling abnormalities can result in fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, or intrauterine fetal death. Hypocoiled umbilical cords are associated with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, low Apgar scores, fetal congenital anomalies, and abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord. Hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with IUFD, fetal distress, asphyxia, fetal congenital anomalies, and the presence of a single umbilical artery. The aim of this work is to determine if the umbilical Cord coiling index measurement during second trimester ultrasound scan can predict perinatal outcome. Seventy eight healthy uncomplicated pregnant women who regularly attended the antenatal care clinic for antenatal care and to do anomaly ultrasound scan on her baby in 2nd trimester. All participants were informed about the aims and the procedures of the study and signed an informed consent form prior to beginning. Regular antenatal cThe umbilical cord represents a unique lifeline between the fetus andmother and contains two arteries and one vein wrapped up in Wharton’s jelly with moderate twists. Umbilical coiling abnormalities canresult in fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, or intrauterine fetal death. Hypocoiled umbilical cords are associated with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, low Apgar scores, fetal congenital anomalies, and abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord. Hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with IUFD, fetal distress, asphyxia, fetal congenital anomalies, and the presence of a single umbilical artery. The aim of this work is to determine if the umbilical Cord coiling index measurement during second trimester ultrasound scan can predict perinatal outcome. Seventy eight healthy uncomplicated pregnant women who regularly attended the antenatal care clinic for antenatal care and to do anomaly ultrasound scan on her baby in 2nd trimester. All participants were informed about the aims and the procedures of the study and signed an informed consent form prior to beginning. Regular antenatal care visit was done every two weeks till delivery with assessment of perinatal outcomes regarding: gestational age at delivery, fetal monitoring by CTG, method of delivery, meconium staining amniotic fluid or not, examination by apgar score at 1stand 5th minute, birth weight, admission to NICU or not and perinatal death. According to umbilical cord index, of total 78 pregnant women who completed the study 62 (79.2%) were having normal UC coiling, 10 of cases (12.8%) were having hypocoiling and 6 (7.7%) were having hypercoiling. Our results showed that hypo- and hyper-coiling were associated with increased incidence of preterm labor (32-36 weeks) “22.2%and 40% respectively” while normo-coiling was associated with lesser incidence “2%”. Both hypocoiling “10%” and hypercoiling “16.7%”groups showed higher incidence of IUGR when compared with the normocoiling group “1.6%”. APGAR score at minute one was significantly lower in the both hypocoiling and hypercoiling groups than the normocoiling group with p- value: 0.005. While at minute five, there was no significant difference between the three groups of the study. Conclusion: The abnormal umbilical coiling index “< 10th percentile or > 90th percentile” is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early evaluation on Umbilical cord Index in the 2nd trimester can identify fetuses who are at risk and thus help in further management.are visit was done every two weeks till delivery with assessment of perinatal outcomes regarding: gestational age at delivery, fetal monitoring by CTG, method of delivery, meconium staining amniotic fluid or not, examination by apgar score at 1stand 5th minute, birth weight, admission to NICU or not and perinatal death. According to umbilical cord index, of total 78 pregnant women who completed the study 62 (79.2%) were having normal UC coiling, 10 of cases (12.8%) were having hypocoiling and 6 (7.7%) were having hypercoiling. Our results showed that hypo- and hyper-coiling were associated with increased incidence of preterm labor (32-36 weeks) “22.2%and 40% respectively” while normo-coiling was associated with lesser incidence “2%”. Both hypocoiling “10%” and hypercoiling “16.7%”groups showed higher incidence of IUGR when compared with the normocoiling group “1.6%”. APGAR score at minute one was significantly lower in the both hypocoiling and hypercoiling groups than the normocoiling group with p- value: 0.005. While at minute five, there was no significant difference between the three groups of the study. Conclusion: The abnormal umbilical coiling index “< 10th percentile or > 90th percentile” is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early evaluation on Umbilical cord Index in the 2nd trimester can identify fetuses who are at risk and thus help in further management.

Effect of postbariatric maternal weight loss and surgery to conception interval on perinatal outcomes of nulliparous women.

Bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of delivering a small neonate. The role of maternal weight loss and surgery to conception interval is unclear. To investigate the effect of maternal weight loss, as a result of bariatric surgery, and surgery to conception interval on fetal growth and birthweight (BW). Inner London Teaching Hospital METHODS: We studied prospectively nulliparous women with previous bariatric surgery. Information on type, time, and presurgery weight was obtained. Surgery-to-conception interval was calculated as the time between surgery and conception, defined as the fourteenth day of the pregnancy dated by first trimester ultrasound scan. In the first trimester, maternal weight was measured. Assessment of maternal weight change between presurgery and first trimester of pregnancy was defined as total weight loss (TWL) (%). Fetal ultrasound scans were performed twice; 30-32 and 35-37 weeks' gestation and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated. Fetal growth rate was calculated as the ratio of EFW increase (in grams) between 30-32 and 35-37 weeks divided by the time interval (in days) between the 2 examinations. BW was recorded. The study included 54 pregnant women, 26 with a restrictive procedure (gastric band or vertical sleeve gastrectomy) and 28 with a gastric bypass. Surgery to conception interval was not a significant predictor of the offspring's growth. Maternal TWL was a significant predictor of fetal growth rate (P = .04) and predictor of BW (P = .005), even after adjustment for confounders. Maternal weight loss, as a result of bariatric surgery, has an inverse correlation with fetal growth rate and BW.

The detection rate of first trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital heart defects: A narrative review

AbstractCongenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the most common fetal abnormalities assessed by ultrasound during the second trimester. Improvements in ultrasound technology are allowing more thorough examinations of the fetal heart during the first trimester. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of detecting CHDs during first trimester ultrasound scans. A search for related studies was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. A total of n = 16 articles were included in the literature review, combining both retrospective and prospective studies throughout the high‐risk, low‐risk and unselected populations. An analysis of the studies found the detection rate of CHDs during the first trimester ultrasound scans was 77.5%. The mean sensitivity and the mean specificity across n = 10 articles that provided these values were 78.9% and 90.6% respectively, making CHD detection in the first trimester moderately sensitive and highly specific. This research demonstrates first trimester detection of CHD is possible, however, future research should assess detection rates by non‐cardiologists in low‐risk populations and should include the gestational age at which each CHD is detected and whether transabdominal or transvaginal approaches were used.

Maternal perception of the risk of vertically transmitted infections: the impact of expert counseling

Insufficient and imprecise information during pregnancy can lead to an overestimation of maternal and fetal risk associated to various exposures during gestation. This study aimed to assess whether expert obstetrical counseling in cases of maternal infections at risk of vertical transmission could impact maternal perception of risk and the tendency to terminate pregnancy. This is a monocentric prospective observational study of 185 consecutive pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of infectious diseases at risk of vertical transmission during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Patients were divided into 2 different groups, according to the type infectious disease: infections at high risk of fetal damages and infections at low risk. Every woman included in the study underwent medical counseling with a physician with experience of vertically transmitted infections. Moreover, each woman involved in the study was offered a detailed second trimester ultrasound scan. Maternal concern for their pregnancy and the disposition to interrupt the pregnancy were investigated by 2 questionnaires submitted to patients before and after medical expert counseling; a third questionnaire was completed only by those women who decided to undergo second trimester ultrasound scan at our hospital. Of the 185 consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 171 (92.4%) filled out the visual analog scale for concern about the baby's health both before and after medical consultation. After medical consultation, there was a significant decrease in mean visual analog scale for concern: from 67.1±26.0 to 41.3±28.8 (change score, -25.8; 95% confidence interval, -29.9 to -21.7). Higher baseline levels of concern had more room for reduction, and infections at high fetal risk of damage were associated with lower decrease in concern. However, risk perception decreased in both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. Notably, 82 patients (53.2%) underwent ultrasonography and filled out the visual analog scale after examination. The mean score after examination was 28.3±24.4 and significantly lower than the mean score registered after consultation (change score, -16.6; 95% confidence interval, -22.9 to -10.3). A total of 162 women (87.6%) declared their tendency to interrupt pregnancy both before and after the consultation. There was a significant decrease in mean tendency from 42.1±32.6 to 22.7±27.1 (change score, -19.4; 95% confidence interval, -23.6 to -15.2). Regression analysis revealed that both low- and high-risk patients significantly reduced their tendency. A total of 73 patients (45.1%) underwent ultrasonography and filled out the visual analog scale after examination. The mean score after examination was 9.9±20.6 and significantly lower than the mean score registered after consultation (change score, -13.4; 95% confidence interval, -19.1 to -7.7). Our results confirm the importance of a comprehensive and sufficient expert medical counseling that, on one hand, can reduce maternal risk perception, improving quality of life for mothers, and, on the other hand, can lead to feasible results, reducing a woman's disposition to termination of pregnancy.

Impact of expectant mother’s knowledge level about fetal anomaly scan on their state anxiety prior to antenatal ultrasound screening

Objective We aimed to investigate the role of expectant mothers’ background antenatal ultrasound knowledge on their state anxiety when they apply for the ultrasound examination. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in perinatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Expectant mothers who applied for the first trimester ultrasound scan and second trimester anomaly scan were recruited to the study. A self-report form was applied to participants to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, knowledge and attitudes toward antenatal ultrasound. Expectant mothers’ state anxiety prior to ultrasound scan was measured with the state sub-scale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results A total of 500 expectant mothers (220 in the first trimester and 280 in the second trimester) were included to the study. We found a negative correlation between the participants’ age and state anxiety level (r = −0.118, p < .01). Also, participants’ education level had a significant effect on their state anxiety level (F (2, 497)=5.91, p < .01). Participant’s age significantly predicted lower state anxiety level (β = −0.10, t = −2.09, p < .05). We did not find any significant relationship between the mean knowledge level of mothers and state anxiety levels of mothers (r = −0.07, p > .05). Conclusion Age was the only affecting factor on anxiety levels before ultrasound scan in pregnant participants. There was no significant effect of background knowledge on state anxiety.

A routine third trimester growth ultrasound in the obese pregnant woman does not reliably identify fetal growth abnormalities: A retrospective cohort study.

In response to the challenges of assessing fetal growth in obese women, guidelines recommend routine third trimester ultrasound scans. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of this routine scan in obese women (body mass index (BMI)≥35kg/m2 ). A retrospective cohort study of 1008 pregnancies with maternal BMI≥35kg/m2 born after 37weeks gestation at a Victorian hospital from 2015 to 2017. Multiple pregnancies and those affected by diabetes were excluded. Growth ultrasounds were performed between 34+0 and 36+6weeks gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of large for gestational age (LGA>90%) and small for gestational age (SGA<10%) were calculated using ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) and compared with gestational age and gender-based birthweight percentiles. Using EFW, sensitivity for detecting SGA at birth was 8.1% (six of 74) with a PPV of 100%. Sensitivity for detecting LGA at birth was 61.0% (119 of 195), PPV 54.8%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV percentages were all lower using AC. Only 40% of actual birthweight percentiles (405/1008) were within ±10 percentiles of their growth ultrasound EFW percentile. The performance of a routine third trimester ultrasound in women with BMI≥35kg/m2 suggests limited utility in helping identify aberrant fetal growth. This has important implications for the management of obese pregnant women.

PREDICTION OF MODE OF DELIVERY BY ANGLE OF PROGRESSION BEFORE THE ONSET OF LABOUR IN FULL TERM GRAVID WOMEN

Background- Fetal head descent can be assessed by the ultrasound parameter, the angle of progression (AOP). Our aim was to assess Angle of progression by transperineal ultrasound, anterpartum before onset of labor and whether a narrow angle has association with a higher rate of Caesarean section. Method- In our study, after proper selection by inclusion and exclusion criteria, a single observer will be performing the transperineal ultrasound examination and single obstetrician will be assessing the pelvis by clinical pelvimetry. Uncomplicated full term pregnant women, with cephalic presentation will be recruited for the study. Gestational age will be determined by LMP or first trimester ultrasound scan. Labor and delivery will be conducted by any person who will be blinded to AOP. Outcome will be assessed in terms of mode of delivery in relation to Angle of progression, validity of measuring Angle of progression (AOP) in full term gravid women before they go into labor, clinical pelvimetry in full term gravid women and comparison of clinical pelvimetry and AOP in relation to the mode of delivery. Results: Will be obtained after statistical analysis by the student t test and chi square test using SPSS software Chicago, USA.

A Case of Apert Syndrome: Early Detection of Temporal Lobe Abnormalities and Scalp Cyst in Fetal Brain MRI

Introduction: Apert Syndrome is one of the severe forms of craniosynostosis syndromes. Here we present the first case of 20 weeks fetus with temporal lobe abnormalities with a scalp cyst in fetal MRI. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman at 19 weeks of pregnancy presented with normal first trimester scan and with acrocephaly, mild ventriculomegaly (10.5 mm), hypertelorism, and mitten glove syndactyly of hands of the fetus in second trimester ultrasound scan. Also a scalp cyst without calvarial bone defect was found. One week later, fetal brain MRI on 1.5 T scanner confirmed 2D ultrasound findings. Also bilateral temporal lobe overconvolution and low set ears were detected by MRI. These imaging features strongly suggested Apert or a related craniosynostosis syndrome. Amniocentesis result revealed the heterozygous FGFR2 gene mutation consistent with Apert syndrome. Conclusions: Fetal MRI and ultrasound are complementary tools for full evaluation of different aspects of a syndromic condition in fetus that is very important for proper genetic testing and counseling.

Outcome of the fetuses with severely increased nuchal translucency thickness in the first trimester.

To study the outcome of pregnancies with severely increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness at the 11-13-week scan. This study included 162 singleton pregnancies whose fetuses had increased NT thickness ≥ 5.5 mm between September 2013 and August 2018. The cases were divided into two groups: NT ≥ 6.5 mm (n = 112) (group A); and 6.5 mm > NT ≥ 5.5 mm (n = 50) (group B). Fetal (amniotic fluid) or placental (chorionic villous) chromosome analyses were conducted. Subsequent ultrasound findings, pregnancy outcome and structural defects in the neonates were recorded and analyzed. Abnormal karyotype was found in 71% (60/84) (group A) and 57% (21/37) (group B) of the cases respectively. In group A, 15 cases out of 24 with normal karyotype were born. Among these 15 cases, one case died soon after birth and 5 cases had associated abnormalities. In group B, 13 cases out of 18 with normal karyotype or negative noninvasive prenatal testing results and 1 case out of 2 cases with 47,XXY were born. All of them survived with no major anomaly. Incidence of chromosomal aberrations was high in the cases with severely increased NT thickness. But favorable outcome could be expected if the fetus had no chromosomal abnormality and no abnormal findings were found in second trimester ultrasound scan especially in a fetus with increased NT < 6.5 mm.

The late vanishing of a co-twin contributes to adverse perinatal outcomes in the surviving singleton.

Is the vanishing of a co-twin after or before the ultrasonic registration of cardiac activity at approximately 6-8 weeks of gestation associated with adverse perinatal outcomes? The timing of the demise of a co-twin after the registration of cardiac activity is an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. A significant body of evidence has confirmed that vanishing twin (VT) pregnancies are associated with higher levels of risk for preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA) and perinatal mortality, compared with singleton pregnancy. However, the impact of co-twin vanishing, before or after the presence, of cardiac activity, on perinatal outcomes has yet to be extensively investigated. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 38876 singletons delivered from ART cycles between 2006 and 2018, at the Peking University Third Hospital. In total, 35188 singletons were delivered from the singleton pregnancy group, 2256 singletons from the VT pregnancy group after that cardiac activity was noted, and 1432 singletons were delivered from the VT pregnancy group before cardiac activity could be registered. Using the Poisson model, the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) was used to estimate the incidence of PTB, LBW, SGA and perinatal mortality, in the pregnancies of two types of VT compared with singleton pregnancies after correction for potential confounding factors. The vanishing of a co-twin after the registration of cardiac activity was associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality when compared with the group of singleton pregnancies (0.5% vs 0.2%; P = 0.006); this association still existed after adjustment for potential confounders (aRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.12-4.30; P = 0.023). Furthermore, it was significantly associated with a higher risk of PTB (all cycles aRR 2.00, 95% CI 1.77-2.24; P < 0.001; fresh transfer aRR 2.06, 95% CI 1.78-2.38; P < 0.001; frozen transfer aRR 1.87, 95% CI 1.52-2.28; P < 0.001), LBW (all cycles aRR 2.47, 95% CI 2.12-2.88; P < 0.001; fresh transfer aRR 2.50, 95% CI 2.07-3.02; P < 0.001; frozen transfer aRR 2.39; 95% CI 1.83-3.12; P < 0.001) and SGA (all cycles aRR 1.56, 95% CI 1.35-1.80; P < 0.001; fresh transfer aRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.29-1.81; P < 0.001; frozen transfer aRR 1.62, 95% CI 1.24-2.11; P < 0.001). However, prior to the presence of cardiac activity, the vanishing of a co-twin was not associated with a higher risk of perinatal mortality (all cycles aRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.17-2.92; P = 0.636; fresh cycles aRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.07-3.70; P = 0.502; frozen cycles aRR 1.29, 95% CI 0.17-9.66; P = 0.803), PTB (all cycles aRR 1.11, 95% CI 0.91-1.34; P = 0.301; fresh cycles aRR 1.10, 95% CI 0.87-1.39; P = 0.447; frozen cycles aRR 1.13, 95% CI 0.81-1.58; P = 0.467), LBW (all cycles aRR 1.19, 95% CI 0.91-1.55; P = 0.207; fresh cycles aRR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77-1.51; P = 0.668; frozen cycles aRR 1.45, 95% CI 0.93-2.25; P = 0.100) and SGA (all cycles aRR 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.35; P = 0.405; fresh cycles aRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.75-1.26; P = 0.839). Pregnancies involving the two types of VT were significantly different in terms of PTB (all cycles aRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.24; P < 0.001; fresh cycles aRR 1.88, 95% CI 1.44-2.45; P < 0.001; frozen cycles aRR 1.65, 95% CI 1.13-2.40; P = 0.009), LBW (all cycles aRR 2.08, 95% CI 1.55-2.79; P < 0.001; fresh cycles aRR 2.32, 95% CI 1.61-3.36; P < 0.001; frozen cycles aRR 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.70; P = 0.046) and SGA (all cycles aRR 1.70, 95% CI 1.36-2.11; P < 0.001; fresh cycles aRR 1.87, 95% CI 1.42-2.45; P < 0.001). The present data are not able to differentiate between co-twin demise occurring in the first or second trimester. Because the second trimester ultrasound scan is not an integral aspect of IVF assessment, this information was not available in the database. Adverse perinatal outcomes in ART babies can be avoided by replacing one embryo at a time. It is possible to apply selective single embryo transfer strategy for all while maintaining acceptable success rates. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scholars (Reference number: 31801251). No competing interests to declare. not applicable.

Is Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Appropriate for Pregnant Women Age 35 or Older In Cases if Isolated Fetal Nasal Bone Abnormalities in The Chinese Han Population?

BackgroundEthnic background may affect the prevalence of nasal bone absence and the length of the nasal bone. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone in the Chinese Han population and to formulate an optimal management plan for patients age 35 or older in cases of isolated abnormal fetal nasal bone.Material/MethodsWe prospectively assigned pregnant women whose fetuses had nasal bone absence or hypoplasia to separate groups according to their choice for noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. Demographic data, ultrasound findings, results of conventional maternal serum screening and NIPS, fetal karyotype, pregnancy outcomes, and expenses associated with prenatal testing were recorded. The incidence and odds ratio of nasal bone abnormality and the sensitivity and specificity of different prenatal genetic screening tests were calculated.ResultsA total of 1946 cases with fetal nasal bone absence or hypoplasia were included. Cases of isolated nasal bone abnormality (1736 cases) were divided into the NIPS group (Gr 1, n=429) and the non-NIPS group (Gr 2, n=1307). Sixty-four cases involved chromosomal abnormality. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of NIPS in Gr 1 were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The odds ratio of fetal chromosomal abnormalities for isolated fetal nasal bone abnormalities when maternal age was ≥35 was 4.615 (95% CI: 1.592–13.381). The cost-effectiveness ratio of contingent screening (NIPS first) was significantly lower than amniocentesis directly.ConclusionsThe nasal bone provides an important marker for chromosome abnormalities in some populations, but to a lesser extent in the Chinese Han population. NIPS is an excellent first option for follow-up among pregnant women age ≥35 in cases of absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone in the first trimester ultrasound scan.

Outcomes of urinary tract abnormalities diagnosed by the routine third trimester scan

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the incidence of congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) detected for the first time in an unselected population undergoing a routine third trimester scan between 30–34 week’s gestation. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 8562 routine third trimester ultrasound scans during which the fetal anatomy was evaluated, and, any structural abnormalities detected, recorded onto a fetal database which was subsequently analysed for CAKUT. All postnatal records of antenatally diagnosed CAKUT were obtained and analysed for diagnosis and management. ResultsThere were 26 cases of urological abnormalities detected for the first time in the third trimester. The most frequent abnormality was unilateral renal pelvis dilatation (73%). Postnatal ultrasound confirmed abnormalities in 19 (73%) newborns, with two (8%) resolving antenatally and four (15%) postnatally. The overall incidence of new CAKUT detected by the third trimester scan was 0.22% (19/8562) with a male to female ratio of 1:1.6. Four patients required surgery, two received cystoscopic injection of Deflux with circumcision, one received cystoscopic valve ablation and one patient received a staged hypospadias repair. ConclusionRoutine third trimester scanning is already performed in many countries with proposed benefits primarily directed towards the monitoring of fetal growth and late pregnancy malpresentation. For healthcare systems that still utilize two routine scans, debate is ongoing as to the value of introducing a routine third trimester scan. The ability to detect additional and potentially missed CAKUT is a further benefit, which in isolation is likely of too small an impact to merit implementation. However, the combination of fetal structural assessment, growth velocity monitoring and fetal presentation evaluation presents a strong case for inclusion in an antenatal screening program. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a detailed fetal structural evaluation at each antenatal ultrasound scan.

Fetal brain development in small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses and normal controls.

Objective To assess whether fetal brain structures routinely measured during the second and third trimester ultrasound scans, particularly the width of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), differ between fetuses small for gestational age (SGA), fetuses very small for gestational age (VSGA) and normal controls. Methods In this retrospective study, we examined standard ultrasound measurements of 116 VSGA, 131 SGA fetuses and 136 normal controls including the head circumference (HC), transversal diameter of the cerebellum (TCD), the sizes of the lateral ventricle (LV) and the cisterna magna (CM) from the second and third trimester ultrasound scans extracted from a clinical database. We measured the CSP in these archived ultrasound scans. The HC/CSP, HC/LV, HC/CM and HC/TCD ratios were calculated as relative values independent of the fetal size. Results The HC/CSP ratio differed notably between the controls and each of the other groups (VSGA P = 0.018 and SGA P = 0.017). No notable difference in the HC/CSP ratio between the VSGA and SGA groups could be found (P = 0.960). The HC/LV, HC/CM and HC/TCD ratios were similar in all the three groups. Conclusion Relative to HC, the CSP is larger in VSGA and SGA fetuses than in normal controls. However, there is no notable difference between VSGA and SGA fetuses, which might be an indicator for abnormal brain development in this group.

Women’s choices in non-invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy screening: results from a single centre prior to introduction in England

ObjectiveTo evaluate patient choices and uptake of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy screening offered in a contingency model as part of routine care.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed data for all women...

EP19.22: Detection rate and outcome of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses using a routine third trimester ultrasound scan in our population

Fetal growth restriction is a common pregnancy complication related to placental insufficiency and poor perinatal outcome. The aim of our study was to evaluate our pregnancy control performance using an ultrasound scan at 32-34 and 38-40 weeks of gestation in our population. We define SGA to fetuses with EFW below 10th percentile and normal Doppler, and IUGR when EFW below 3rd percentile or between 3rd and 10th percentile with abnormal Doppler. A retrospective study was conducted using our data base from all the pregnancies during July 2016 until August 2018 in our Hospital. We selected all newly born babies with weight below 10th percentile according to gestational age and gender using a calculator. We studied maternal and obstetric parameters, diagnosis of FGR and perinatal outcomes. We excluded multiple pregnancies and intrauterine fetal death. We had a total of 2088 deliveries in the mentioned period, from which 266 (12.7%) were below 10th percentile of weight. Our detection rate was 37.2% (n = 99). In this group 37.4% corresponded to SGA and 62.6% to IUGR. From the not detected group (n = 167), 19.2% had a weight below 3rd percentile. We found statistically significant differences towards the group where FGR was detected, when comparing serum PAPP-A levels less than 0.3 MoMs (OR 5.32 IC 1.05-26.91), gestational hypertensive disorders (OR 5.34 IC 1.86-15.32), use of vaginal prostaglandins (OR 2.74 IC 1.64-4.58) and induction of labour (OR 2.61 IC 1.52-4.46). There were no differences in maternal age, parity, smoking habits, BMI, type of delivery, APGAR or pH minor 7.20 in both groups. There were no cases of perinatal death. FGR affects almost 13% of our population. Despite our third trimester ultrasound screening process our detection rate is low. Improvement of our method should be considered in order to achieve a higher detection rate. Nevertheless, no differences were found in perinatal outcomes in both groups. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

OP01.10: Auditing the quality of ultrasound images using an AI solution: ScanNav® for fetal second trimester ultrasound scans

OP01.10: Auditing the quality of ultrasound images using an AI solution: ScanNav® for fetal second trimester ultrasound scans

Fetal growth standards for Somali population

Background Accurate assessment of fetal size is essential in providing optimal prenatal care. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) study from 2015 demonstrated that estimated fetal weight (EFW) differed significantly by race/ethnicity after 20 weeks. There is a large Somali population residing in Minnesota, many of whom are cared for at our maternal fetal medicine practice at the University of Minnesota. Anecdotally, we noticed an increased proportion of small-for-gestational age diagnoses within this population. We sought to use our ultrasound data to create a reference standard specific for this population and compare to currently applied references. Purpose We aimed to model fetal growth standards within a healthy Somali population between 16 and 40 weeks gestation, and address possible differences in the growth patterns compared with standards for non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian singleton fetuses published by the NICHD in the Fetal Growth Study. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study using ultrasound data from 527 low risk pregnancies of Somali ethnicity at single tertiary care center between 2011 and 2017. A total of 1107 scans were identified for these pregnancies and maternal and obstetrical data were reviewed. Women 18–40 years of age with low-risk pregnancies and established dating consistent with first trimester ultrasound scan were included. Exclusion criteria were any maternal, fetal or obstetrical conditions known to affect fetal growth. Results Estimated fetal weight among Somali pregnancies differed significantly at some time points from the NICHD four ethnic groups, but generally the EFW graph curves crossed over at most time points between the study groups. At week 18, EFW was significantly larger than all other four ethnic groups (all p<.001), it was also significantly larger from the Hispanic, Black, and Asian ethnic groups at some time points between 18 and 27 weeks gestation (p < .05). Additionally, EFW among Somali pregnancies was significantly smaller than the Black and Asian ethnicity at 32 and 35–36 weeks and smaller than the White ethnicity at 30 and 38–39 weeks (p < .05). Abdominal circumference (AC) for the Somali population was significantly smaller than the other ethnic groups, especially than the White ethnicity at various time points across 16–40 weeks (p < .05). Femur and humerus length were significantly longer when compared to all other ethnic groups at most time points from 16 to 40 weeks of gestation (p < .05). Biparietal diameter (BPD) was significantly smaller than all other ethnic groups specifically at time of fetal survey (18 weeks) and at time of fetal growth assessment (32 weeks) (p < .05). Conclusions Significant differences in fetal growth standards were found between the Somali ethnicity and other ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic) at various time points from 16 to 40 weeks of gestation. Racial/ethnic-specific standards improve the precision for evaluating fetal growth and may decrease the proportion of fetuses of Somali ethnicity labeled as small-for-gestational age.

Diagnosis of Fetal Posterior Fossa Malformations in High-Risk Pregnancies at 12–14 Gestational Weeks by Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination

Objective: To demonstrate sonographic detectable abnormalities of the posterior fossa in fetuses with a crown-rump length of 45–84 mm in high-risk pregnancies. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study including 47 fetuses with known outcome, whose mothers attended our centers for first trimester tests and showed an abnormal first trimester ultrasound scan. In these fetuses, we examined transvaginal acquired three-dimensional volume blocks for abnormalities of the fetal posterior fossa. In these fetuses, the measurements of the cerebellar vermis (VE) and of the anterior membranous area (AMA) were compared with published reference ranges. Results: There were 8 fetuses with a ver­mian length below the 5th centile. In 5 of these fetuses, the AMA was also elongated and in 4 of these fetuses, pathology was confirmed. One case with a normal vermian length and normal AMA had a hypoplastic VE later on in the confirmatory test. Conclusion: Pathology of the posterior fossa can be directly diagnosed by assessing the VE and the AMA at the first trimester scan by examining transvaginal acquired volume blocks.