What is nuchal Oedema?

What is nuchal Oedema?

Nuchal edema (NE) is a tissue swelling on the back of the neck of fetus due to an abnormal fluid accumulation during human pregnancy and has been associated with fetuses having chromosomal aneuploidy.

What does a thick nuchal fold mean?

Many studies have shown that a thickened nuchal fold in a second-trimester fetus is a sonographic sign suggestive of a high risk for Down syndrome. These series have included fetuses already at risk for aneuploidy because of advanced maternal age or abnormal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.

How is nuchal fold thickness measured?

Nuchal fold thickness is measured on an axial section through the head at the level of the thalami, cavum septi pellucidi, and cerebellar hemispheres (i.e. in the same plane that is used to assess the posterior fossa structures).

How common is a thick nuchal fold?

According to the practice bulletin concerning fetal aneuploidy screening published by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the likely ratio (LR) for thickened nuchal fold (TNF) is 11 to 18.6.

Can a thick nuchal fold go away?

Natural course. An abnormally thickened nuchal fold or even a cystic hygroma may resolve, especially toward the third trimester; however, the risk of karyotypic abnormalities is not reduced.

Is 1.2 mm nuchal translucency good?

A baby with an NT of 1.3mm is within the normal range. The baby with an NT of 2.9mm is also within the limit of normal range. As the NT increases, so does the chance of Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal conditions.

What is normal nuchal fold?

The nuchal fold thickness is considered normal if under 5mm between 16 and 18 weeks gestation and under 6mm between 18 and 24 weeks gestation. An increased thickness corresponds to increased risk for aneuploidy and other fetal abnormalities.

Do all babies have a nuchal fold?

Many healthy babies have thick nuchal folds. However, there is a higher chance for Down syndrome or other chromosome conditions when the nuchal fold is thick. There may also be a higher chance for rare genetic conditions.

Can nuchal translucency go away?

Studies have shown that in normal fetuses the fluid collection known as NT increases with gestational age until about 13 weeks’ gestation3 and usually disappears after 14 weeks3, 4.

Do hydrops babies survive?

The severe swelling that occurs with hydrops can overwhelm the baby’s organ systems. About 50% of unborn babies with hydrops don’t survive. Risks for other problems are also high for babies born with hydrops.