What is the role of the 11‐ to 14‐week ultrasound in women with negative cell‐free DNA screening for aneuploidy?. (5th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reiff, Emily S.; Little, Sarah E.; Dobson, Lori; Wilkins‐Haug, Louise; Bromley, Bryann
• Is Part Of: Prenatal diagnosis. Volume 36:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2016-02-05
• Subjects: Prenatal diagnosis -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.32075
• DOI: 10.1002/pd.4774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-3851

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of the 11‐ to 14‐week ultrasound in women with negative cell‐free DNA screening. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women at increased risk for aneuploidy based on age or medical history and negative cell‐free DNA screening between March 2012 and March 2014 was conducted. Patients were included if they had an 11‐ to 14‐week ultrasound and obstetrical care at our center(s). Primary outcome was an unexpected finding at ultrasound. Imaging findings were compared with obstetrical outcome by medical record review. Results: Study group was composed of 1739 patients. An unexpected finding was identified in 60/1739 (3.5%). An abnormal fetal finding occurred in 37 living fetuses (2.1%); 33 had a nuchal translucency (NT) ≥ 3 mm, including four 'isolated' cystic hygroma and three with a structural abnormality. Four fetuses had a structural anomaly without a thick NT. Karyotype confirmed euploidy in 98.7% of available cases. Pregnancy termination was chosen by 63.6% of those with cystic hygroma or anomaly at the 11‐ to 14‐week scan. Unexpected multiples were identified in 13 (0.7%) women and a fetal demise in 10 (0.6%). Conclusion: Unexpected findings at the 11‐ to 14‐week scan occur in 3.5% of patients with negative cell‐free DNA. Recognition provides options for comprehensive testing, consultation, and management. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Noninvasive prenatal screening for aneuploidy by cell‐free DNA has superior performance metrics for detection of targeted trisomies when compared with standard aneuploidy screening methods and does not require an 11‐ to 14‐week fetal scan. What does this study add? The 11‐ to 14‐week scan demonstrates unexpected findings in 3.5% of patients with negative noninvasive prenatal screening by cell‐free DNA including 2.1% with fetal findings that place them at increased risk for other genetic and/or structural anomalies.