How Useful is Nuchal Translucency in Detecting Chromosomal Abnormalities Missed by Genome-Wide NIPT and What Measurement Threshold Should Be Used?

Introduction: Genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing (gwNIPT) has screening limitations for detectable genetic conditions and cannot detect microdeletions/microduplications (MD) or triploidy. Nuchal translucency (NT) increases with gestation and with genetic or structural abnormalities. This study aims to determine the utility of NT measurement in detecting genetic abnormalities not identified by gwNIPT and the optimal NT threshold value.

The Influence of Hyperoxygenation on Fetal Brain Vascularity Measured Using 3D Power Doppler Ultrasound and the Index "Fractional Moving Blood Volume".

Introduction: Maternal hyperoxygenation effects on fetal cerebral hemodynamics are largely unknown. This study aimed to determine efficacy and reliability of a validated power Doppler ultrasound (US) index, fractional moving blood volume (FMBV), at measuring fetal cerebral vasculature changes during maternal hyperoxia.

Methods: The fetal cerebral effects of 10 min of hyperoxygenation at 2 flow rates (52%/60% FiO2) were evaluated in women in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Feasibility of image registration and fusion for evaluation of structure and perfusion of the entire second trimester placenta by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound.

Background: Placental perfusion can be evaluated by 3D power Doppler ultrasound (3D PD-US), particularly using the validated tool 3D Fractional Moving Blood Volume (3D-FMBV); however regional variability and size limitations beyond the first trimester mean that multiple 3D PD-US volumes are required to evaluate the whole organ.

Purpose: We assessed the feasibility of manual offline stitching of second trimester 3D PD-US volumes of the placenta to assess whole organ perfusion using 3D-FMBV.

Materials And Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective, observational cohort study of 36 normal second trimester singleton pregnancies with anterior placentas.

Ultrasound scan as a potential source of nosocomial and crossinfection: a literature review.

The authors review the main concepts regarding the importance of cleaning/disinfection of ultrasonography probes, aiming a better comprehension by practitioners and thus enabling strategies to establish a safe practice without compromising the quality of the examination and the operator productivity. In the context of biosafety, it is imperative to assume that contact with blood or body fluids represents a potential source of infection. Thus, in order to implement cleaning/disinfection practice, it is necessary to understand the principles of infection control, to consider the cost/benefit ratio of the measures to be implemented, and most importantly, to comprehend that such measures will not only benefit the health professional and the patient, but the society as a whole.