Fetal 'space-suit' hydrops in the first trimester: Differentiating risk for chromosome abnormalities by delineating characteristics of nuchal translucency

Lee P. Shulman*, Owen P. Phillips, Donald S. Emerson, Richard E. Felker, Avirachan T. Tharapel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Detecting first trimester fetuses with pan-body hydrops, giving the appearance of a 'space-suit,' is associated with a marked increased risk for chromosome abnormalities. In 30 consecutive fetuses prospectively characterized by space-suit hydrops, detected at or before 13.9 weeks' gestation, 26 (86.7) were characterized by chromosome abnormalities. However, as opposed to the preponderance of autosome abnormalities among first-trimester fetuses with prominent nuchal translucencies, 15 of the 26 fetuses (57.7) with abnormal complements were characterized by sex chromosome aneuploidies. Genetic counselling and consideration of invasive prenatal testing is warranted when space-suit hydrops is detected in the first trimester. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-32
Number of pages3
JournalPrenatal Diagnosis
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Chromosome abnormalities
  • First trimester
  • Nuchal translucency
  • Prenatal diagnosis
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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