Screening for chromosomal abnormalities by maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness: The Jordanian experience.

Objective: To screen for chromosomal defects on the basis of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness at 10 to 14 weeks of gestation. Method: Fetal nuchal translucency thickness was measured by ultrasound examination at 10-14 weeks of gestation in living singleton pregnancies in women attending routine antenatal care at Prince Ali Bin Hussein. Amman Jordan. The risks for trisomy 21 and other chromosomal defects by ultrasound measurment of fetal nuchal translucency thickness and maternal age were calculated, using the software provided by The Fetal Medicine Foundation. Results: Chromosomal defects were diagnosed in 10 cases, including 4 cases of trisomy 21 and 6 cases with other chromosomal abnormalities (trisomy 18, 13, triploidy, Turner). The estimated risk based on maternal age and fetal NT was 1 in 300 .Conclusion: The combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness was an effective method of screening for chromosomal defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]