Fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with antenatal ultrasound findings

Abstract

Abstract Background: Detection of variations or abnormalities in antenatal fetal ultrasound scans helps in planning further follow-up and intervention. Sometimes, finding soft markers could alarm anxious families. Systematic studies on clinically relevant outcomes would aid in prognostication, allay anxieties and help in designing reporting templates. Methodology: This retrospective study included pregnancies that were flagged with any fetal ultrasound finding by the high-risk obstetrics department during the study period. We studied the proportion of those with any one of adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes (AFNO): (a) fetal loss (b) neonatal death; or who required (c) surgical intervention (d) neonatal intensive care support (e) periodic follow-up related to the finding. A descriptive analysis of findings and specific AFNO were also conducted. Results: Of 1495 scans, 495 had at least 1 ultrasound finding. Complete details of primary outcome were available for 360 pregnancies; 60 (16.7%) had AFNO. Most common were cardiac echogenic focus (19.5%), prominent cavum vergae (12.6%), urinary tract dilatation (9.3%), and choroid plexus cyst (8.9%). The above-isolated findings had good outcomes (AFNO in 4.6%). Overall, AFNO were noted in 12.7% of those with single findings. Brain anomaly, omphalocele, and hydrops had poor outcomes. With 2 and 3 findings in combinations, 22.1% and 44.4% had AFNO, respectively. Conclusions: AFNO were noted in 16.7% of those with any fetal ultrasound finding. When expectant families are informed about specific isolated soft markers (echogenic cardiac focus, cavum vergae, echogenic bowel, hypoplastic nasal bone, choroid plexus cyst, single umbilical artery) clinicians may also reassure the low association of AFNO.