Early second trimester transvaginal ultrasound anomaly scan does not cause adverse perinatal outcome. Issue 3 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levmore-Tamir, M.; Tsafrir, A.; Boldes, R.; Rabinowitz, R.; Armon, S.; Shen, O.
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 91:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0005"> <title id="st0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="st0010">Objective</title> <p id="sp0005">During an early second-trimester transvaginal ultrasound anomaly scan, pressure is applied to the uterus, and the fetus is often rotated manually to allow scanning of its various organs. This study was designed to determine if performing a transvaginal ultrasound anomaly scan during the early second trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcome or cord entanglement.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0015">Methods</title> <p id="sp0010">During the 4.5 year study period we prospectively collected cases of routine ultrasound scans at 14–17 weeks gestation performed as anomaly screening, together with perinatal outcome. The study population consisted of 164 women who underwent a transvaginal approach, and the control population consisted of 224 women in which a transabdominal approach was used. Data on perinatal parameters was collected from delivery charts from the four local hospitals.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0020">Results</title> <p id="sp0015">There were more operative deliveries (vaginal or Cesarean) in the transvaginal scan group (32% vs. 23%, p = 0.05). However, on multiple logistic regression analysis vaginal scans were not associated with increased operative delivery rates with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.47 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.85–2.54. There were no other clinically significant differences in perinatal outcomes, or in cord entanglement.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0025">Conclusions</title> <p id="sp0020">Transvaginal ultrasound anomaly scan conducted in the early second trimester of pregnancy is a safe procedure for the fetus.</p> </sec> </abstract>