Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness and normal karyotype compared with matched controls

Abstract

What are the novel findings of this work?This is the first study to use an objective psychomotor test to compare the developmental quotient (DQ) of infants who had increased fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in the first trimester and normal karyotype with that of a matched control group with normal NT. The mean DQ in the increased-NT group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 2 years of corrected age; however, it was within the normal range expected for that age, even when NT was > 5 mm. What are the clinical implications of this work?The findings of this study should provide reassurance to prospective parents of fetuses with isolated increased NT and should open up new avenues of research.

Increased nuchal translucency after low‐risk noninvasive prenatal testing: What should we tell prospective parents?

“…Using objective psychomotor testing at 2 years corrected age, the investigators found that the mean developmental quotient of the increased NT group was within the normal range, although it was lower than the control group. These reassuring findings also applied for those who had an isolated NT ≥3.5 mm 60 …”

“…Women and their partners may wish to discuss TOP early in the journey, particularly if the NT is large ( 42 control group with normal NT measurements. 60 Using objective psychomotor testing at 2 years corrected age, the investigators found that the mean developmental quotient of the increased NT group was within the normal range, although it was lower than the control group. These reassuring findings also applied for those who had an isolated NT ≥3.5 mm.…”

“…After a normal 20‐week ultrasound showing resolution of nuchal edema and normal CMA, parents should be reassured that the chances of having a child with a significant health issue are probably not greater than the background risk 30,59 . A recently published prospective study compared the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 203 children who had isolated increased NT ≥95th centile with a control group with normal NT measurements 60 . Using objective psychomotor testing at 2 years corrected age, the investigators found that the mean developmental quotient of the increased NT group was within the normal range, although it was lower than the control group.…”

Machine Learning Algorithms for Classification of First‐Trimester Fetal Brain Ultrasound Images

“…According to our results, the algorithms could accurately classify fetal brain segments in fetuses with a normal and an increased NT. Our findings may lay the foundation for further research and early diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities, specifically in fetuses with an increased NT that comprise a high‐risk population for neurodevelopmental sequela 24–26 …”

“…Our findings may lay the foundation for further research and early diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities, specifically in fetuses with an increased NT that comprise a high-risk population for neurodevelopmental sequela. [24][25][26] Based on the two methods we tested, the processed images provided a convenient and accurate platform for recognizing the fetal brain cortex, a structure with a width of 2-3 mm at 12-14 week gestation. The more stable segmentation results produced by the TWS method compared to the SRM method (a similar MAPE with a lower standard deviation) may be attributed to the ability of the TWS to adjust itself for specific data, in contrast to the SRM, that is not trainable and based on a predefined-fixed threshold.…”