Congential Anomalies/Chromosomal Disorders Flashcards
Sem.2
Major congenital anomalies are found in ___ of every ___ births.
3 of every 100 births
What is the percentage of births are complicated by minor birth defects?
10-15%
Who is involved in the multidisciplinary team involved with fetuses with congenital anomalies?
perinatologist (MFM), neonatologist, sonologist, perinatal sonographer, pediatric surgeon, other pediatric specialists, geneticst, obstetrician, perinatal and pediatric social workers, other support personnel
What is chorionic villus sampling?
ultrasound directed biopsy of placenta or chorionic villi (chorion frondosum)
collect fetal cells
What is the chorion frondosum?
active trophoblastic tissue that becomes the placenta
What can CVS detect?
other than chromosomal abnormalities - help diagnose biochemical or metabolic disorders, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease
(hemoglobinopathies)
List the advantages of CVS.
performed early in pregnancy (earlier than amniocentesis), results available within 1 week, and earlier results allow more options for parents
When is CVS performed? (gestational weeks)
10-14 weeks
Why is ultrasound performed before the procedure of CVS?
to determine the relationship between the lie of uterus and cervix and path of catheter (bladder fullness influences relationship), assess fetus in terms of life, normal morphology, and age, and to identify any uterine masses or potential problems that may interfere with the passage of the catheter
What is an amniocentesis?
a test offered to patients at risk for chromosomal abnormality or biochemical disorder that may be prenatally detectable
How quickly are the results available for an amniocentesis?
results available in 1-3 weeks
if rapid results are desired, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) provides limited analysis within 24 hours
What does FISH commonly assess for?
evaluates for numeric abnormalities of chromosomes 21, 13, 18, X, and Y
What is the most common reason why an amniocentesis is performed?
advanced maternal age
What is the risk of having a fetus with Down Syndrome in women 35 or older? 21 years old?
1 in 365
1 in 2000
What is the risk of having a fetus with a general chromosomal anomaly in women 35 or older? 21 years old?
1 in 180
1 in 500
What are other reasons why an amniocentesis is ordered?
history of balance rearrangement in parent or previous child with chromosomal abnormality; history of unexplained abnormal AFP level or abnormal triple screen; fetus with congential anomaly
When is an amniocentesis generally performed?
between 15 and 20 weeks
(may be done as early as 12 weeks, but may lead to development of fetal scoliosis or clubfoot secondary to reduced amount of AF)
For an amniocentesis, where is the optimal collection site for AF?
away from fetus, away from central portion of placenta, away from umbilical cord, and near maternal midline to avoid maternal uterine vessels
With a multifetal genetic amniocentesis, what should be done sonographically before amniocentesis is performed?
include survey of fetal anatomy and growth profiles; determine monozygotic or dizygotic; and determine if multiple sacs and amount of fluid within each sac
After sampling one sac, how can the physician know which sac to do next?
indigo carmine dye can be injected into first sac to show that both sac sampled - presence of clear amniotic fluid indicates second sac has been penetrated when second pass made - if dye stained fluid is visible, indicates first cas penetrated second time
In Rh- patients, what should be avoided in an amniocentesis procedure? What is given to these patients?
the placenta
RhoGAM is administered to all Rh- patients within 72 hours of procedure
What is a cordocentesis? What is sampled?
another method to analyze chromosomes
fetal blood is obtained through needle aspiration of umbilical cord
When will cordocentesis results be availble?
within 2-3 days
What is cordocentesis more commonly used for?
guidance for transfusions to treat fetal isoimmunization
What is AFP and what produces AFP?
alpha-fetoprotein - major protein in fetal serum
produce by yolk sac in early pregnancy and later by fetal liver
Also found in fetal spine, GI tract, liver, and kidneys
How does AFP get into the amniotic fluid?
by fetal urination and reaches maternal circulation or blood through fetal membranes
Why may AFP levels be elevated?
neural tube defects (such as anencephaly and open spina bifida) are most common
abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis), bladder or cloacal exstrophy, ectopia codris, limb-body wall complex, amniotic band syndrome, twin pregnancy, kidney lesion, congential nephrosis, polycystic kidneys and urinary tracy obstruction, placental lesions
How can AFP be measured?
in maternal serum (MSAFP) or from amniotic fluid (AFAFP)
When do MSAFP levels peak?
levels increase with advancing gestational age and peak from 15-18 weeks of gestation
Which AFP measurement increases with fetal age? Which one decreases?
MSAFP levels increase with advancing gestational age
AFAFP decreases with fetal age
How does an omphalocele cause an increase in AFP?
AFP leaks through membrane encasing herniated bowel or liver
How does gastroschisis elevate AFP levels?
AFP diffuses directly into serum and amniotic fluid from herniated bowel, which lacks covering membrane
Is the AFP level higher with a fetus with gastroschisis or omphalocele?
AFP levels are higher in fetus with gastroschisis than in fetus with omphalocele
What is cloacal extrophy?
bladder outside the abdominal wall
What is ectopia cordis?
fetal heart outside the thoracic cavity
What do obstructions of the GI tract cause?
may cause reduced clearance of AFP
AFP may increase in heart failure when what is present?
hydrops, ascites, or lymphangiectasia
Rare causes of AFP elevation include:
hepatitis, maternal herpes virus and resultant fetal liver necrosis, skin lesions, hepatocellular carcinoma, fetal liver tumors
What is a frequent cause of high MSAFP levels?
fetal death
What is the pattern of AFP levels when oligohydramnios is present?
concentrated AFP, so level may be higher
When AFP is elevated and spine and cranium appear normal, what happens to the risk of spinal defect?
risk of fetus actually having small spinal defect is approximately halved
What is the risk of miscarriage from amniocentesis?
1 in 200
What serum markers are tested in a quadruple screen?
AFP, hCG, unconjugated estriol
and newly added dimeric inhibin A
What does the addition of dimeric inhibin A provide to the quad screen?
impoves sensitivity in detecting Down fetuses