Can early ultrasound reduce the gestational age at abortion for fetal anomalies?

Abstract Background A significant proportion of second-trimester abortions are done for fetal anomalies. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of ultrasound at < 14 weeks on the gestational age at abortion for structural fetal abnormalities. Study Design Retrospective review identified all pat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Contraception (Stoneham) 2013, Vol.87 (1), p.63-66
Main Authors: Chasen, Stephen T, Kalish, Robin B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion
Abortion, Induced
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Birth control
Chi-Square Distribution
Congenital Abnormalities - diagnostic imaging
Female
Fetal anomalies
Genital system. Reproduction
Gestational Age
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Induced abortion. Therapeutic abortion
Medical sciences
Nuchal Translucency Measurement
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
Prenatal diagnosis
Retrospective Studies
Statistics, Nonparametric
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
Ultrasound
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Summary:Abstract Background A significant proportion of second-trimester abortions are done for fetal anomalies. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of ultrasound at < 14 weeks on the gestational age at abortion for structural fetal abnormalities. Study Design Retrospective review identified all patients undergoing abortion following sonographic diagnosis of structural fetal anomalies at a single institution from 2004–2011. First-trimester ultrasound findings were reviewed, and abnormalities were categorized as “diagnostic” or “nondiagnostic.” Chi-square analysis and Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical comparison. Results One hundred thirty-two patients who underwent abortion due to structural fetal abnormalities were included, 109 of whom underwent ultrasound at 11–13 weeks. In those scanned at < 14 weeks, there were diagnostic findings in 36 cases (33.0%) and abnormal nuchal translucency or other nondiagnostic finding leading to early second-trimester ultrasound in 16 cases (14.7%). In those scanned at < 14 weeks, median gestational age at abortion was earlier compared to those who underwent initial anatomic evaluation in the second trimester, 19 weeks (13.5–21) versus 21 weeks (19–22), p=.001. Conclusion Ultrasound at < 14 weeks was associated with an earlier gestational age at abortion in pregnancies with structural fetal abnormalities.
ISSN:0010-7824
1879-0518
DOI:10.1016/j.contraception.2012.09.014