Genetic Diagnosis in the first trimester: The norm for the 1990s

Article Abstract:

As more women postpone childbearing and the need to know the genetic well-being of a fetus increases, methods of early genetic screening are being sought. Current methods include early amniocentesis, examination of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, and chorionic villi sampling (CVS), a process by which a sample of fetal cells is examined for abnormalities. Traditionally, amniocentesis results are available at 19 weeks and many patients have obvious signs of pregnancy. "Attachment" to the fetus has already begun. There are increased risks in ending an abnormal pregnancy in the second trimester (fourth to sixth month of pregnancy). When early detection methods are compared to the traditional procedures, the ratios of risks to benefits are the same. Many physicians and patients are now opting for the earlier diagnostic procedures, such as CVS, because of its safety and low complication rate. Ultrasound techniques (using sound waves to locate the fetus as well as visualize any abnormalities) are now more sophisticated. Early results permit the patient to make a decision regarding the ending of an abnormal pregnancy.

Evaluation, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Amniocentesis, Prenatal diagnosis, Chorionic villus sampling

---

The natural history of prenatally diagnosed cerebral ventriculomegaly

Article Abstract:

Although intrauterine treatment of fetuses with diseases of the brain's ventricular system has been abandoned for neonatal treatment, research shows that intrauterine treatment can be successful in certain cases. Prognosis for fetuses with ventriculomegaly (VM) and malformations; good for fetuses with nonprogressive, isolated VM; and variable for those with progressive, isolated VM. The ventricles, or small cavities deep within the cerebrum of the brain contain cerebrospinal fluid, which circulates in and around the brain and spinal cord. A disease of the ventricular system leads to severe dilation of he ventricles. In a study of 12,500 pregnant women, 43 patients with VM were diagnosed through use of a linear array scanner to measue the lateral ventricular/hemisphere ratio. The measurement was then compared to standard nomograms.

Care and treatment, Surgery, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Fetal surgery, Hydrocephalus

---

Faint and positive amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase with a normal sonogram

Article Abstract:

Finding low concentrations of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) in amniotic fluid in combination with a normal ultrasound image may not rule out the possibility of serious complications. ACHE is involved in nerve transmission and its presence in amniotic fluid indicates a possible neural tube or abdominal wall defect. Twenty-three fetuses had slight amounts of ACHE in amniotic fluid drawn for amniocentesis but appeared normal on ultrasound imaging. However, one baby had a genetic abnormality, one had an undetected abdominal wall defect, and four others were born prematurely of whom three had other complications.

Analysis, Abnormalities, Measurement, Amniotic fluid, Acetylcholinesterase

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Reversed end-diastolic flow in first-trimester umbilical artery: an ominous new sign for fetal outcome. Early midtrimester fetal nuchal thickness: effectiveness as a marker of Down syndrome
• Abstracts: Counting the cost of the new pay deal. The power to prescribe
• Abstracts: Quebec physicians battle for union rights. The forgotten children - no longer alone. Many states considering cuts in spending for health care
• Abstracts: Intestinal permeability in patients with yersinia triggered reactive arthritis. Yersinia antigens in synovial-fluid cells from patients with reactive arthritis
• Abstracts: Diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis using objective doppler method. Detection of deep-vein thrombosis by real-time B-mode ultrasonography

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.