Molecular Cytogenetics (Nov 2023)

Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies disharmonious for one fetus with nuchal translucency above the 95th percentile

  • You Wang,
  • Hang Zhou,
  • Fang Fu,
  • Ken Cheng,
  • Ruibin Huang,
  • Ru Li,
  • Dongzhi Li,
  • Can Liao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13039-023-00659-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Objective To assess prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies where one fetus has nuchal translucency (NT) above the 95th percentile. Method In this retrospective analysis, 130 twin pregnancies (260 fetuses) in which one twin had an NT measurement above the 95th percentile while that of the other twin was normal were analyzed. Prenatal diagnostic results such as G bands, chromosomal microarray analysis, ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes were reviewed. Results Karyotype analysis and CMA results revealed that 15 (15.6 percent, 15/96) fetuses exhibited chromosomal abnormalities and that 13 fetuses were Variant of Uncertain Significance. Chromosome abnormalities were detected at a rate of 8.9% (5/56) in the DCT group and 25.0% (10/40) in the MCT group (p = 0.033, X2 = 4.571). 2 fetuses in DCT (3.9 percent, 2/51) and 4 fetuses in MCT (13.3 percent, 4/30) (p = 0.187) revealed structural abnormalities among the cases with normal prenatal diagnosis. Fetuses in the DCT group had an overall survival rate of 75.4 percent (95/126), whereas those in the MCT group had a survival rate of 60.4 percent (81/134) (p = 0.01, X2 = 6.636). According to the findings of Logistics regression analysis, NT thickening, maternal age and method of conception were all significant risk factors for chromosome abnormalities. Conclusion In twin pregnancies with one fetus with NT above the 95th percentile, the prevalence of fetal structural abnormalities of the MCT group and the DCT group were comparable. Pregnant women’s age and mode of pregnancy are risk factors for chromosomal abnormalities.

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