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This short communication aims to evaluate the relation in between drug exposure time and early pregnancy regarding gestational weeks.The study covers the referrals made to the Department of Pharmacology for a teratogenic consultation in a 3-year period. From the recordings of pregnant women, the last menstrual period and the starting date of medication were used to determine the time of prescription with regard to gestational weeks.In all of the three years, potentially teratogenic medication was prescribed more frequently in the 3rd, 4th and 5th gestational weeks (in between 15-35 days of pregnancy). Approximately 75% of the pregnant women in the study were prescribed with drugs, most frequently with analgesics, antibiotics, gastrointestinal drugs and antidepressants, in these gestational weeks.The timing of prescriptions in early pregnancy frequently coincides with the increased levels of maternal progesterone in implantation period. Progesterone may lead to negative mood symptoms of an increased pain perception, anxiety, irritability and aggression in some of the pregnant women and therefore causes an increased stress condition which in turn may result in pain, infection and inflammation in the individual. Taking the frequently used medications into consideration, the reason for prescriptions in this period might be related to the symptoms originating from the effects of progesterone. Future studies are needed to better demonstrate this association of drug exposure and effects of maternal progesterone in early pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate the perinatal factors related to neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and possibly to define obstetric and perinatal risk factors. Study design: All medical records of women who delivered in the period from 1 January 1991 to 1 January 2000 were reviewed for intracerebral hemorrhages in infants born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and treated in the postnatal period. Sixty infants with ICH (Group I) and 60 infants without ICH (Group II, matched controls) were determined for comparison. Obstetrical parameters and risk factors and perinatal outcome parameters were evaluated and statistically analyzed. Results: Neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage prevalence was 0.8% (60/7635 births). Betamethasone administration was significantly less in Group I than in Group II (27% versus 46%). Although Doppler-sonography of the middle cerebral artery was performed in a minority of the cases, it showed a significant tendency of lower resistance indices (brain sparing) in the intracerebral hemorrhage group (66.7% versus 21.1%). Postnatally, infants with intracerebral hemorrhage showed a significantly more often umbilical arterial acidosis (18% versus 10%), a greater base deficit, lower median 5 min Apgar scores (6 and 8, respectively for Groups I and II), and a lower thrombocyte count (Group I 190,000 ± 76,000 µl-1, and Group II 227,000 ± 96,000 µl-1). Infants in Group I were more often (93% versus 76%) and longer (26.7 ± 30.5 days versus 15.4 ± 11.7 days) dependent on ventilatory support than infants in Group II. Mortality rate in Group I (35%) was significantly higher compared to Group II (17%). Conclusions: Antenatal Doppler sonography in predicting intracerebral hemorrhage in preterm infants should be investigated in large scale prospective studies. Postnatal low pH-values (pH < 7.1) and a base deficit of more than -16 mmol/L in the umbilical artery, low Apgar scores and thrombocytopenia are associated with a neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage and prophylaxis with corticosteroids reduces the risk for it. A higher neonatal mortality and morbidity, including neurological and neuromotoric dysfunctions is expected in this clinical entity. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) in ovulatory patients with borderline male factor infertility, early stage endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. Design: Prospective quasi-randomized trial. Setting: University infertility clinic. Patient(s): Forty-six consecutive patients with ovulatory infertility were recruited. Twenty-five patients (67 cycles) were given CC and 21 patients (52 cycles) were given letrozole. Both drugs were given orally on days 3-7 of menses. Intervention(s): Letrozole, CC, ovulation induction, IUI, timed intercourse. Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of follicles, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy rates. Result(s): The median serum E2 concentration on the day of hCG administration in the letrozole and CC groups were 191.5 pmol/L and 476.0 pmol/L, respectively. The median endometrial thickness on the day of hCG were 8 mm in both groups. Ovulation occurred in 81% (42/52) of the letrozole-treated and 85% (57/67) of the CC-treated patients. Pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle was 9% (5/52) in the letrozole group and 12% (8/67) in the CC group. Conclusion(s): Letrozole and CC have comparable effectiveness in ovulatory patients with borderline male factor infertility, early stage endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. ©2006 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a history of 2 consecutive insertions of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) 3 years before she was referred to us for sonographic evaluation of lower abdominal pain. The first of the IUDs was presumed to have been expelled spontaneously, and 3 months after insertion of the second device, the patient had begun experiencing lower abdominal pain. Medical treatment with antibiotics and spasmolytics had been unsuccessful. We performed transvaginal sonography, which revealed the presence of an IUD in the uterus and a 2-cm linear metallic echogenic area in the left ovary, believed to represent another IUD. Anteroposterior radiography confirmed that there were 2 IUDs in the pelvis, and CT demonstrated 1 IUD in the uterus and another in the left ovary. The patient underwent laparoscopic removal of the ovarian IUD and was discharged in good condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of migration of an IUD to the ovary detected on transvaginal sonography. We recommend consideration of this possibility during evaluation of women with unexplained chronic pelvic pain.

Background Fetuses with a reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery and/or aorta are at risk pregnancies and show a higher incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathological changes in the terminal villous tree in fetuses with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, 16 cases with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery (Gr. 1) were compared with gestational age matched 16 healthy pregnant women (Gr. 2). The following morphometric parameters were evaluated in 50 sections in each placenta (1600 measurements): mean vessel diameter, volume density of the villous tissue, stem villi and terminal villi. Measurements were performed using a computerized Video Image Analysis system. Results The mean gestational age at birth was similar in both groups (30 + 4 weeks gestation vs. 30 + 6 weeks gestation, respectively, for Gr. 1 and Gr. 2). The birth weights (985 g vs. 1780 g) and the placental weights (216 g vs. 385 g) were significantly lower in the reverse flow group. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total villous tissue (19 % versus 45 %) and in the diameter of tissue at the terminal villi (2.1 % versus 7.6 %) in the reverse flow group. Although the mean number of vessels at the terminal villi was lower than the control group (4.1 versus 5.6), the mean and total areas of the vessels were not different. Conclusion Our observations showed a significant association between the placental morphometric parameters and reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery or fetal aorta. The reduced number of functional placental units is responsible for the diminished exchange function of the placental vessels in "reverse flow" cases. This could partially explain the adverse outcome in this clinical situation.

To determine whether absence of end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery and/or fetal aorta impacts postnatal neuro-development in preterm-born children. The study group, consisting of 43 fetuses with absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery and/or fetal aorta, was compared with a control group, consisting of 30 fetuses, matching for gestational age but with normal doppler-flow results. The children’s neuro-developmental status was assessed using the ‘Munich functional developmental diagnostics’ (MFDD), between the 2nd and 3rd year of life. Gestational age at birth was 33 + 6 weeks in the study group and 34 + 4 weeks in the control group. A brain-sparing effect was observed in 37.3% of fetuses in the study group compared with 10.0% in the control group (p = 0.014). For all seven MFDD domains, the number of children with deficiencies was higher in the study group. For the domains perception, active speech and comprehension this effect was statistically significant (p

Objective: The objective was to investigate the colostral H. pylori-specific IgA content in a sample of the female population in Turkey where a high endemicity for H. pylori has always been reported. Materials and methods: One hundred and sixty-one pregnant women with positive serum H. pylori IgG antibody at the time of the last trimester were enrolled into the study. During the initial postpartum 24 h, we obtained colostrum samples from each mother to test the presence and concentration of H. pylori-specific IgA. Breast milk antibody concentrations of H. pylori were measured by commercial ELISA tests. Sample absorbance/cut-off absorbance (s/c) ratio was used for semiquantitative interpretation. Ratios >1.1 were considered positive, ratios ?1.1 negative. The statistical significance was tested by the Mann-Whitney U-test, and p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: At least 2 ml of colostrum was obtained and analyzed (mean volume 2.5 ± 0.45 ml). The results indicated the absence of H. pylori-specific IgA in 64 colostral samples (39.8%). However, the rest of the women (n = 97; 60.2%) had a mean H. pylori-specific IgA s/c ratio of 4.31 ± 2.51 (range 1.2-10.3) in their colostral milk samples. The mean gestational age at the time of delivery was 38 weeks and 5 days, and the mean birth weight was 3, 224 ± 433 g (range 4, 300-1, 940 g). Gestational age at birth and mode of delivery were not correlated with the colostral-specific IgA levels. Conclusions: Most of the lactating women (60.2%), who were seropositive for H. pylori, had some IgA in their colostral milk. Colostral milk theoretically can decrease H. pylori and perhaps many other enteric infections, whether or not it contains H. pylori-specific IgA. Therefore, breastfeeding is of utmost importance for neonates and should be encouraged. The H. pylori-specific IgA antibody concentration of colostral milk should be investigated in large-scale prospective studies for its effectiveness in the protection against neonatal transmission of this infection. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective: In virgin policystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients transabdominal sonography is the preferential method of the pelvic examination. The purpose of this study was to determine ovarian morphology by the transabdominal route by pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) in virgin PCOS patients and to compare the diagnostic image quality with conventional B-mode ultrasonography (CBU). Methods: Fifty-two ovaries in 26 virgin patients were evaluated by the transabdominal approach. Each ovary was examined using both PIHI and CBU. The sharpness of the follicular cysts walls, degree of internal echo definitions of the follicle cysts and overall ovarian conspicuity was assessed subjectively, using 4 point scoring (0, being worst; 3, being best score). The number of countable follicles, the size of largest and smallest ovarian follicle and ovarian volumes were assessed quantitively by both techniques. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on qualitative and quantitative scoring was evaluated. Results: The sharpness of the cyst wall and internal echo structure was significantly better with PIHI than with CBU (P < 0.001 P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). PIHI improved overall ovarian conspicuity in 41 (78.8%) of 52 examination. The number of countable follicles was significantly lower with CBU (P < 0.001). The maximum diameter of the largest follicle was larger with PIHI sonography to compared CBU (P < 0.001). Mean ovarian volume was significantly larger with CBU (P < 0.001). When data were analyzed separately according to BMI, number of non-diagnostic overall ovarian conspicuity scores with CBU was markedly high in obese patients (88% with CBU versus 3.8% with PIHI). On the other hand, mean number of countable follicles with CBU became much more lower in the obese group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In virgin PCOS patients, when compared to transabdominal CBU, PIHI significantly improved the detection of ovarian follicles, especially in high BMI obese subjects, through increased contrast sensitivity for cystic structures and decreased intrafollicular artifactual echoes. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination by PIHI mode can contribute to the evaluation of ovaries. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background: Recent data suggest that statins used in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia decrease fracture risk. In this study, we aimed to investigate prospectively whether statins have an additive effect to bisphosphonates (risedronate) according to the primary hypothesis that the addition of atorvastatin to risedronate would produce an increase, from baseline, in lumbar vertebrae and total hip BMD that was greater than that observed with risedronate alone. Methods: A total of 120 hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were randomized to receive risedronate (5 mg/day) or risedronate (5 mg/day) plus atorvastatin (20 mg/day). Changes in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip, and serum lipid and glucose metabolism changes were assessed. Results: Compared with risedronate alone, at 6 months, risedronate plus atorvastatin produced significantly greater increases in the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (1.58% versus 0.75%, p < 0.05). We found no difference after therapy in BMD of the total hip (1.2% versus 1.1%). Risedronate plus atorvastatin therapy had favorable effects on the serum lipid profile: LDL and total cholesterol. Serum fasting glucose and HbA1c levels were not affected during the treatments. Conclusion: Statins have modest additive effects to bisphosphonates in improving lumbar spine bone mineral density in hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis-osteopenia. A long-term study with adequate sample size is necessary to assess the effects of statins - in combination or alone - on the bones and prevention of fractures. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a history of 2 consecutive insertions of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) 3 years before she was referred to us for sonographic evaluation of lower abdominal pain. The first of the IUDs was presumed to have been expelled spontaneously, and 3 months after insertion of the second device, the patient had begun experiencing lower abdominal pain. Medical treatment with antibiotics and spasmolytics had been unsuccessful. We performed transvaginal sonography, which revealed the presence of an IUD in the uterus and a 2-cm linear metallic echogenic area in the left ovary, believed to represent another IUD. Anteroposterior radiography confirmed that there were 2 IUDs in the pelvis, and CT demonstrated 1 IUD in the uterus and another in the left ovary. The patient underwent laparoscopic removal of the ovarian IUD and was discharged in good condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of migration of an IUD to the ovary detected on transvaginal sonography. We recommend consideration of this possibility during evaluation of women with unexplained chronic pelvic pain.

Objective: To study changes in uteroplacental and fetal circulation after maternal exercise in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses (AGA) and intrauterine-growth-retarded fetuses (IUGR). Materials and method: 33 women with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy and ten women with IUGR were examined. Physical stress was caused through a bicycle ergometer with 1.25 W/kg maternal weight. Doppler examinations were performed in the umbilical artery, fetal aorta, middle cerebral and in the uterine artery. Fetal heart rate was documented by monitoring. Maternal lactate and glucose levels as well as maternal blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Results: No significant changes after cycling could be observed in umbilical and uterine vessels either in the normal pregnancies or in pregnancies with IUGR. In contrast, in the fetal aorta an increase of the RI was recorded in both groups (an increase of 16% [P < 0.01] and 18% [P < 0.05], respectively for AGA and IUGR cases). In cerebral arteries a decrease of the RI was observed after cycling in both groups (a decrease of 24% [P < 0.01] and 13% [P < 0.05], respectively for AGA and IUGR cases). In AGA fetuses the RI of the aorta and middle cerebral artery returned to pre-test level by the 18th minute of examination. In IUGR fetuses the RI of the aorta and middle cerebral artery did not return to pre-test levels at the end of the test. Fetal heart rate remained unchanged in both groups. Maternal blood pressure and heart rate increased during the exertion phase but returned to initial values at the end of the test. A 21% and 24% (for AGA and IUGR groups respectively) reduction of maternal glucose values after exercise was observed (P < 0.001). Lactate values doubled in both groups after exercise (P < 0.001). Conclusion: From the results obtained we conclude that maternal exercise does not significantly alter uterine and umbilical perfusion in AGA and IUGR pregnancies, suggesting an absence of change in the uterine vascular bed resistance. However, submaximal maternal exercise was followed by fetal cerebral vasodilatation and an increase of resistance in the fetal aorta that was more evident in IUGR fetuses. This might be due to slight fetal hemoglobin desaturation in those cases.

To constitute Doppler flow velocity nomograms for use in obstetric clinics and to analyse the technical infrastructure of constructing Doppler sonography nomograms for clinical use.On a cross-sectional study plan basis 602 flow results of 370 pregnant women were used. Pregnancy gestational ages were confirmed with an early sonogram prior to the 14th gestational week. Patients in whom primary section for placental insufficiency had to be done, who had pathological fetal heart rate monitoring, signs of intrauterine asphyxia, multiple pregnancy or a fetal anomaly were excluded. Every two gestational weeks patients were grouped and for these groups the 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th percentiles were calculated to represent the umbilical artery, fetal aorta, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and uterine artery S/D ratio, resistence index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) Doppler flow velocity nomograms.In normal pregnancies, after the 22nd-24th gestational week, the uteroplacental flow velocities were constant, but at the fetal vessels there were changes in velocity waveforms after this period. With advancing gestation in the third trimester, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery impedance was lower and the resistance in the descending fetal aorta remained nearly constant.With growing gestational age the Doppler velocity forms change. In fact because of this, for Doppler velocity studies and to differentiate between normal and abnormal pregnancy status, nomograms adapted to gestational age should be used. For practical use in different obstetrics clinics, we are presenting our Doppler velocity norm-curves.

Fetuses with a reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery and/or aorta are at risk pregnancies and show a higher incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathological changes in the terminal villous tree in fetuses with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery.In this retrospective study, 16 cases with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery (Gr. 1) were compared with gestational age matched 16 healthy pregnant women (Gr. 2). The following morphometric parameters were evaluated in 50 sections in each placenta (1600 measurements): mean vessel diameter, volume density of the villous tissue, stem villi and terminal villi. Measurements were performed using a computerized Video Image Analysis system.The mean gestational age at birth was similar in both groups (30 + 4 weeks gestation vs. 30 + 6 weeks gestation, respectively, for Gr. 1 and Gr. 2). The birth weights (985 g vs. 1780 g) and the placental weights (216 g vs. 385 g) were significantly lower in the reverse flow group. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total villous tissue (19 % versus 45 %) and in the diameter of tissue at the terminal villi (2.1 % versus 7.6 %) in the reverse flow group. Although the mean number of vessels at the terminal villi was lower than the control group (4.1 versus 5.6), the mean and total areas of the vessels were not different.Our observations showed a significant association between the placental morphometric parameters and reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery or fetal aorta. The reduced number of functional placental units is responsible for the diminished exchange function of the placental vessels in "reverse flow" cases. This could partially explain the adverse outcome in this clinical situation.

The purpose of our research was to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Pipelle device in acquiring an adequate and representative endometrial sample and to compare it with DC histology.A total of 127 women were prospectively included in the study. After Pipelle endometrial sampling, classic dilatation and curettage (DC) was performed. The histological results of both techniques were compared to assess the accuracy of Pipelle sampling. Prior to endometrial sampling, transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to determine endometrial thickness and pathological lesions, and to exclude other pathologies confined to the pelvis. The outcome measures were specimen adequacy and comparability of histological diagnosis between the Pipelle specimen and the DC specimen.Although no patient had a failed biopsy procedure, 13 patients had insufficient tissue in the DC group, and 29 patients in the Pipelle group. In 100 of 127 patients (79%), the Pipelle endometrial histology results were in agreement with the DC histology results. Pipelle biopsy was unable to diagnose 1 of 5 endometrial hyperplasia cases.The Pipelle device is a limited endometrial sampling technique for obtaining an adequate and representative endometrial sample. It should be reserved for those patients in whom there is only a minimal risk for endometrial carcinoma, hyperplasia and polyps. Any failure to obtain an endometrial specimen would suggest performing a full endometrial curettage, especially in anamnestically- and sonographically-determined patients at high risk for endometrial cancer.

Objectives: To examine the differences of perinatal outcome in fetuses with absent and reversed enddiastolic flow velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery or fetal descending aorta. Design: In a retrospective study, 30 pregnant women with reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery or fetal aorta (group I) were compared with 30 cases of absent enddiastolic flow (group II). Patients were included in the groups according to the last Doppler finding before delivery. Perinatal and neonatal outcome was correlated with antenatal Doppler flow findings. Results: The mean gestaltitnal age at birth was 31 weeks in both groups. Fetuses with reverse flow showed higher perinatal (27 % and 7 % respectively) and overall mortality (53.3 % and 10 % respectively) compared to the absent enddiastolic flow group (p < 0.05). All the intrauterine fetal deaths occurred in the reversed flow group (n 12). The rates of intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios and hypocalcemia were different between the groups (p < 0.05). The cesarean section rate, perinatal and neonatal complications including the incidence of acidosis, the number of cases admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and mean treatment time were not different between the groups. A tendency to higher incidence of neonatal cerebral hemorrhage in reversed flow cases (28%) compared to absent enddiastolic flow cases (17 %) was observed, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The present study suggests that reversed flow should be seen as a particular clinical entity with higher incidences of perinatal and overall mortality, and severe intrauterine growth retardation (< 5. perc) compared to the absent enddiastolic flow group. The optimal timing of delivery in pregnancies complicated by highly pathological Doppler flow findings is only to be resolved in well-designed randomized, multicenter clinical trials.

We report of a case of Meckel Gruber Syndrome (MGS) in a woman, who suffered previously from a pregnancy with the same disorder. MGS, consisting of an occipital encephalocele, bilateral cystic kidneys and postaxial polydactyly, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, with a recurrence risk of 25%. With the present technology, a targeted ultrasound in the late embryonic or early fetal stages of pregnancy has the potential to diagnose this syndrome. Clinical screening in further pregnancies is of utmost importance and the management of such cases is presented. Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

OBJECTIVE The maternal-perinatal outcome and the significance of biophysical parameters in HELPP syndrome patients were evaluated. METHODS Sixty cases of HELLP syndrome were determined by retrospective analysis. Medical history, correlation of clinical, laboratory findings, records of fetomaternal Doppler studies, Nonstress test and maternal-perinatal outcome data were evaluated. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was accepted as the significance level. RESULTS The incidence of HELLP syndrome in our institution was 1.03%. Mean gestational age at birth was 33.2 weeks, mean birth weight was 1861 +/- 710 g and mean umbilical pH was 7.25 +/- 0.13. Neonatal thrombocytopenia was demonstrable in 38% of neonates. Patients with low antepartal platelets (< 60,000/microliter) had a significantly higher incidence of intrauterine growth retarded fetuses than patients with higher platelet counts (p = 0.002). Doppler flow measurements were performed in 33 patients (55%). In 16 (48.4%) a pathological Doppler flow was documented. Doppler findings demonstrated very high sensitivity (83%) and specificity (80%) in predicting adverse outcome in growth retarded fetuses. In 17 patients (27%) fetal heart rate monitoring had an obvious pathologic pattern. Respiratory distress syndrome (74.4%) was the main indication for NICU admission. Perinatal mortality rate was 8.3% and neonatal mortality rate was 11.6%. Maternal morbidity rate was 30%. The most commonly observed maternal complications were abruptio placentae (n = 8), disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 3) and severe postpartal bleeding (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS In HELLP syndrome patients it is very important to closely follow maternal vital signs and fluid intake and output, and to perform fetal status assessment tests. Of the biophysical parameters, Doppler flow measurement is an especially helpful predictor of poor perinatal outcome in growth retarded fetuses in HELLP patients. Patients with very low platelets have a significantly higher risk of intrauterine growth retarded fetuses.

WOS: 000172803700001, PubMed: 11733855, The objective of this study is to analyze the prenatal management and prognostic factors of hygroma colli cysticum by using cytogenetic tests and sonographic morphological features. All cases with hygroma colli cysticum diagnosed and managed at our Prenatal Diagnostics Unit between January 96 and September 2000 were analyzed. Sonographic morphological features were divided in two groups; nonseptated (n = 18) and septated (n = 12) hygroma colli cysticum lesions were compared with fetal karyotype results and pregnancy outcome data. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. In 5 years, 30 cases with hygroma colli cysticum were identified. Cytogenetic results were obtained from 23 (76.7%) cases (four chorionic villus sampling and 19 amniocentesis). Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 13 cases (56.5%). The most common chromosomal abnormality was Turner Syndrome (four cases, 17.4%) and Trisomy 18 (four cases, 17.4%). Pregnancy outcome data were available for 29 patients. Those fetuses with septated hygroma colli cysticum tended to have a worse fetal outcome, without statistical significance (p > 0.05), compared with the nonseptated hygroma colli cysticum cases (75 vs. 61.1%, respectively). Fetal hygroma colli cysticum, either septated or not, carries high risks of aneuploidies and adverse fetal outcome. Recommended management includes karyotyping and if parents decide to continue the pregnancy ultrasound scan at 20 to 22 weeks' gestation is necessary, for excluding associated anomalies. At birth, if the cystic hygroma persists, it should be noted that a respiratory difficulty can happen and a pediatrician should standby as a precaution.

[No abstract available]