Work

Pregnancy outcomes of 4,200 fetuses with increased nuchal translucency in Henan, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background and objective: Increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness measured at 11-14 weeks of gestation in fetuses has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in fetuses with NT ≥3.0 mm. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 4,200 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with increased NT thickness (≥3.0 mm) through first-trimester ultrasound screening across 76 hospitals in Henan Province from 2017 to 2021. Follow-up on pregnancy outcomes was completed through telephone interviews and electronic medical records. Results: Among the 4,200 pregnancies with NT ≥3.0 mm, adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in 31.5% of the fetuses. These outcomes included elective termination of pregnancy (TOP), spontaneous abortion (SA), threatened abortion (TA), and live birth with malformations. A total of 547 fetuses underwent further examination through karyotype analysis after genetic counseling, revealing that 10.2% were aneuploid, primarily due to Trisomy 21 (7.1%). Conclusion: The incidence of increased NT in our study was 0.49%, which was associated with chromosomal abnormalities and developmental disorders, leading to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Abnormal ultrasound soft markers, along with NT > 4 mm, may further elevate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings should be taken seriously in the context of further prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with increased NT.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1514504