Pregnancy outcomes in unselected singleton pregnant women with an increased risk of first‐trimester Down's syndrome

Abstract

Besides fetal chromosomal abnormalities and structural abnormalities, pregnancies with a positive screen for Down's syndrome in the first-trimester had a significantly higher incidence of subsequent adverse obstetric outcomes.

First‐trimester Down syndrome screening in women younger than 35 years old and cost‐effectiveness analysis in Taiwan population

“…Since April 1999, Down syndrome screening at 10-13 weeks' gestation was optionally implemented for pregnant women coming to Cathay General Hospital for prenatal care. Informed consent was obtained from the parents and the study design was approved by the research and ethics committee of the hospital [24]. In 2002, FTDSS was offered as routine practice to women less than 35 years.…”

Are Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness and Crown-rump Length Associated with Maternal Hematological and Biochemical Profile?

“…As an important marker for prenatal screening, NT thickness increases with gestational age and crown-rump length (2,(4)(5)(6). Increased NT thickness in the first trimester was associated with a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, genetic syndromes, congenital heart defects, structural abnormalities, intrauterine infection, delayed nerve growth, and fetal mortality (7).…”

Do the Levels of Maternal Plasma Trace Elements Affect Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness?

“…Currently, NT measurements are offered in most countries as part of the first trimester screening for Down syndrome, and this measurement has been proven an effective method for chromosomal anomaly screening [ 13 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Fetuses with increased NT thickness in the first trimester have been reported to be at risk for chromosomal abnormalities, genetic syndromes, congenital heart defects, structural abnormalities, intrauterine infection, neurodevelopmental delay, and fetal demise [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Although the pathophysiology responsible for the increased NT thickness remains unclear, possible explanations for the accumulation of fluid include cardiac failure associated with heart defects, venous congestion in the head and neck, an altered composition of the extracellular matrix, the abnormal or delayed development of the lymphatic system, a failure of lymphatic drainage resulting from impaired fetal movements related to various neuromuscular disorders, fetal anaemia or hypoproteinamia, and congenital infection [ 16 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”