Detection of genetic abnormalities by using CVS and FISH prior to fetal reduction in sonographically normal appearing fetuses

Prenat Diagn. 2013 Oct;33(10):940-4. doi: 10.1002/pd.4213. Epub 2013 Aug 29.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the ability of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect aneuploidy before first trimester fetal reduction (FR) in sonographically normal-appearing fetuses.

Methods: A retrospective review of 470 patients referred to our unit for FR from January 2007-March 2011. Prenatal diagnosis was offered to all. FR was performed after next-day FISH results. Abnormalities were categorized by ultrasound, FISH, and/or karyotype. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of pre-FR FISH were calculated.

Results: Four hundred thirty-two of 470 patients seen were first trimester. 24/432 (5.2%) were excluded for abnormal ultrasound findings, including nuchal translucency (NT) > 3.0 mm, and 360 (88.2%) underwent CVS before FR. Ten fetuses were then excluded for euploid sex mosaicism. 10/350 (2.9%) patients with normal ultrasounds had abnormal FISH confirmed by karyotype. 9/350 (2.6%) patients with normal FISH had an abnormal karyotype necessitating follow up amniocentesis in which the clinically relevant discordancy was confirmed in one case (1/350, 0.3%). Pre-FR FISH had a 90% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, 83.3% positive predictive value, and 99.7% negative predictive value.

Conclusions: 3.1% of patients with normal-appearing fetuses prior to first trimester FR had a fetus with an abnormal karyotype of which FISH detected 90%. CVS with FISH prior to FR adds significant information that can guide reduction decisions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chorionic Villi Sampling / statistics & numerical data*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / statistics & numerical data*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Genetic Testing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / methods*
  • Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / statistics & numerical data*