The value of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in screening early pregnancy fetal malformation

Objective: To investigate the value of fetal nuchal translucency ( NT) thickness in screening early pregnancy fetal malformation. Methods: The fetal anatomical structure，NT thickness and nasal bone length in 2 306 pregnant women in 11 to 13 +6 weeks were detected by color doppler ultrasound. Results: Fetal malformation in 32 cases were found during pregnancy，which included 10 cases in 11 to 13 +6weeks of pregnancy and 22 cases in 13 +6 weeks after pregnancy. Fetal death in 13 cases，chromosomal abnormality in 3 cases and abnormal neonate in 4 cases were found. Five fetuses in 98 cases with thickening NT( more than 2. 5 mm) during 11 to 13 +6weeks of pregnancy were poor prognosis，which included chromosomal abnormality in 2 case，womb death in 2 cases and diaphragmatic hernia in 1 case， their fetal NT value was 4. 05 to 6. 20 mm. The normal fetal NT value was 2. 55 to 3. 60 mm. Conclusions: The ultrasound can diagnose some seriously fetuses malformation in 11 to 13 + 6 weeks of pregnancy. There is high possibility malformation in fetus with NT value more than 3. 6 mm.