Abstracts » Health

Reversed end-diastolic flow in first-trimester umbilical artery: an ominous new sign for fetal outcome

Article Abstract:

Reversed end-diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery of first-trimester fetuses is a sign of a serious health problem, according to a study of 2,970 pregnancies. Of 11 fetuses found to have this defect, only one survived. Two of the affected fetuses had normal chromosomes and no evidence of birth defects.

Abnormalities, Causes of, Fetal death

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Early midtrimester fetal nuchal thickness: effectiveness as a marker of Down syndrome

Article Abstract:

Measuring the thickness of the fetal neck via ultrasound imaging may prove to be a useful way of selecting fetuses with a potential of having Down syndrome. Researchers measured fetal neck thickness between 13 and 18 weeks gestation in 1,543 women who had amniocentesis. Fourteen out of 18 fetuses with measurements of 5 millimeters or more had Down syndrome according to subsequent genetic analysis. Thirty out of 1,424 healthy fetuses also had neck thicknesses in this range.

Diagnosis, Prenatal ultrasonography

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Abnormal ductus venosus blood flow in trisomy 21 fetuses during early pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Abnormal blood flow in the ductus venosus may be a marker for fetuses with trisomy 21. The ductus venosus is a blood vessel in the fetus that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. Researchers measured blood flow in the ductus venosus in 534 fetuses between 10 and 18 weeks old. Chorionic villus sampling later on in the pregnancy revealed that 11 fetuses had trisomy 21, which is a chromosomal abnormality that causes Down syndrome. Seventy-three percent of these fetuses had abnormal blood flow in the ductus venosus.

Measurement, Blood flow measurement

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