ABNORMAL PREGNANCY SONOGRAM - SELECTIVE INDICATION FOR FETAL KARYOTYPE

  • 1 January 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 69  (1) , 15-20
Abstract
The inability to make a definitive diagnosis in the fetus with a sonographically identified abnormality often results in parental and physician uncertainty. An antenatal chromosome evaluation could resolve this uncertainty. Forty-one fetuses with an abnormal ultrasound examination were tested for karyotypic abnormality using a variety of specimens. Nearly one-third (13 of 41) of these fetuses had various chromosome abnormalities. There were only seven survivors in this series, underscoring the often poor prognosis when a significant ultrasound defect is detected antenatally. Knowledge of the fetal chromosome constitution in the setting of an abnormal ultrasound has important epidemiologic, cost-benefit, counseling, and pregnancy management implications.