Do specific ultrasonography features identified at the time of early pregnancy loss predict fetal chromosomal abnormality? – A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

To investigate the association of specific ultrasonography features identified during the diagnosis of early pregnancy loss (EPL) and abnormal karyotype. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. We searched PubMed, Cochrane and Ovid MEDLINE from 1977 to Jan 2017 to identify the articles that described EPL with karyotype and ultrasonography features. Risk differences were pooled to estimate the chromosomal abnormality rates in ultrasonography features, including pre-embryonic, enlarged yolk sac (YS), short crown rump length (CRL), small gestational sac (GS), symmetrical arrested growth embryo, or gestational sac with only a YS. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklists for Observational Studies (2007 version). Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Chromosomal abnormality was more likely to occur in embryonic EPL and enlarged YS. On the other hand, short CRL, small GS, symmetrical arrested growth embryo, or gestational sac with only a YS, were not associated with an increased risk of fetal chromosomal abnormality. Ultrasonography features at the time of diagnosis of EPL have limited predictive value of fetal chromosomal abnormality. Keywords: Ultrasonography, Early pregnancy loss, Chromosomal abnormality, Predictive value