The relationship between first trimester nuchal translucency and adverse pregnancy outcome at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: The first trimester of pregnancy is crucial for monitoring fetal development and maternal health. One significant screening method is the measurement of nuchal translucency (NT), which assesses the fluid-filled space at the back of a fetus neck via ultrasound. This study aims to investigate the relationship between elevated first-trimester nuchal translucency and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women receiving antenatal care at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation who presented to antenatal, gynecological, and general outpatient clinics. The clients were enrolled into the study after obtaining informed consent. Nuchal translucency (NT) measurements were obtained during first-trimester ultrasound examinations, and data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.

Results: A total of 402 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean NT value was 2.5 mm, with a median of 2.4 mm. The clients with nuchal translucency values above 3.0 mm were considered elevated which we had the prevalence of 15.8% in this study. Out of the 402 clients, 351 (87.3%) had uneventful pregnancy outcomes, 15 (4.8%) had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), 10 (3.2%) had prematurity, and 7 (2.2%) had birth asphyxia. Those with elevated NT in this study 4 (1.0%) cases had congenital anomaly. The elevated NT was significantly associated with congenital anomalies (100.0%) and IUGR (60.0%), as well as an increased risk of abruptio placenta(p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant association between elevated NT levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly congenital anomalies and IUGR. The mean NT value of 2.5 mm observed in this study was lower than previously reported international values. NT measurement in the first trimester is therefore an important non-invasive screening tool for identifying pregnancies at risk, allowing for timely interventions and closer monitoring to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Further studies are recommended to evaluate long-term outcomes in affected pregnancies.