Is nuchal translucency measurement feasible in early pregnancy?

Abstract

Background: To investigate whether early nuchal translucency measurement at 7⁺⁰ to 9⁺⁰ weeks (NT_7-9w) is feasible, obtain normal values for different crown-rump lengths (CRL) in the above weeks and create percentile tables.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the University Hospital of Ioannina, including data from women with singleton pregnancies, examined in the early pregnancy unit between November 2010 and May 2015 at a CRL of 10-27 mm. The early pregnancy scan was performed vaginally, and the NT_7-9w, CRL, fetal heart rate, and mean yolk sac diameter were measured. Demographic data, including body mass index and smoking, were recorded.

Results: NT_7-9w was measured successfully in 192 fetuses out of 210 (91.4 %), with a CRL ranging from 10-27 mm. The median maternal age was 31 (range 18-43) years, and the median CRL was 19.9 (range 10.0-27.0) mm. Considering the above measurements, we created normal values and percentiles tables of NT at 7⁺⁰ to 9⁺⁰ weeks in relation to the corresponding CRL measurement.

Conclusion: According to the literature, this is the first attempt to measure NT in such weeks of pregnancy. NT measurement as early as 7⁺⁰ to 9⁺⁰ is feasible and normal values can be created and correlated with CRL measurements. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (4):151-155.