A significant linear association exists between nuchal translucency thickness and adverse perinatal outcome in euploid fetuses

Abstract

Objective. Evaluating the correlation between the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement throughout its range of values independent of gestational age, and adverse pregnancy outcome: in euploid structurally normal fetuses.

Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted in which NT measurements were made in consecutive singleton euploid fetuses derived from an unselected pregnant population. Pregnancies terminated before the 22nd gestational week, and those with major malformations (diagnosed before or after delivery) were excluded from the analysis. We evaluated the linear association between NT thickness and selected obstetric outcomes.

Results. A total of 2205 euploid singleton fetuses were evaluated during the study period. Significant linear-by-linear association was documented between the NT measurement and perinatal mortality (p < 0.001). Thicker NT was significantly associated with diabetes (either gestational or pre-gestational) (p = 0.013).

Conclusions. A linear association exists between NT thickness in chromosomally and structurally normal fetuses, and the risk for gestational diabetes and perinatal mortality.

Keywords:

• Nuchal translucency
• ultrasound
• perinatal mortality
• diabetes mellitus
• obstetric outcomes