nuchal fold test

[lfp2n]

My sister just called in tears that her nuchal test combined with blood screen came back at 1:90 and they are going to do CVS next week.
Does anyone have experience with this test, false positive rates etc. Would all problems predicted by nuchal be picked up by CVS, I thought some like heart defects may not be.

Thanks for any info

Lucy DD 3/03

[cvanbrunt]

1:90 for what? Nuchal screens for a couple of things. One thing that might help your sis is to do the math and she'll see that is is still a very small risk.

[veronica]

I had a thickened nuchal measurement. It was so far out of the "norm" that the Dr. didn't even bother with a blood test. I did CVS a day later, that will test the chromosomes for any abnormalities. She should receive "fish" results for the abnormalities that can be more "worrisome" for people (Trisomies 13, 15 and 21 if my memory serves me right) within 48 hours and the official results should be in about 10 days.

A thickened nuchal can indicate a higher predisposition for chromosomal defects AND it can also indicate a possible heart defect. Once I was in the clear chromosomally, we had to wait until at least week 15 for a better view of the heart and until 19 weeks for an echochardiogram.

My DS just turned a year and was born with no chromosomal or heart defects but it was a very scary time.

this is measurment of millimeters, I highly suggest she get a second opinion right away-her primary ob should recommend someone. I was seeing a very wellknown Dr. who scoffed when I requested one-he even told me the fetus would never survive......I was the only case he ever saw with a good outcome out of thousands. She is entitled to this and would probably welcome it.

If you are in the NJ/NY area, I can recommend the physician of performed my second opinion testing. PM if you like.

Remember, these are early indicators, not necessarily a guarantee of any problems. The test wasn't even offered to me for my daughter who is only 2 and I am under 30 but are now more routine. The individual performing the scan should be certified in nuchal scanning more specifically-make sure of that too.

Hope this helps-big hugs to her and you.

[rprav8r]

Lucy, I just sent you a PM. Let me know if you do not receive it.

The short version is that no, not everything that causes an elevated nuchal measurement will be picked up by amnio/CVS. Assuming the CVS is normal, she will need follow-up testing later on in the 2nd tri.

If she's not already being seen by a high risk doc/peri, she should get a referral to one asap.