Elevated first-trimester nuchal translucency increases the risk of congenital heart defects

Abstract

Objective: We sought to evaluate the association between first trimester nuchal translucency measurement and the risk for major congenital heart defect in chromosomally normal fetuses. Study design: First trimester (10 weeks 4 days of gestation to 13 weeks 6 days of gestation) nuchal translucency was obtained in a large prospective multicenter National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study for Down syndrome prediction. The study, which was conducted between May 1998 and December 2000, was restricted to singleton pregnancies. Gestational age was determined by crown rump length measurements. Perinatal outcomes were determined and included the frequency of major congenital heart defect, which was defined as those cases that potentially could require surgery, intensive medical therapy, or prolonged followup time. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether nuchal translucency was a significant predictor of congenital heart defect. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.