Comparison and integration of first trimester fetal nuchal translucency and second trimester maternal serum screening for fetal Down syndrome.

Background: It is uncertain whether first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) is more effective than the well-established second trimester serum screening for fetal Down syndrome or whether their combination works best. We report data from a large multicentre non-interventional trial in which all subjects underwent both first and second trimester screening.

Methods: All women who attended the obstetric clinic before 15 weeks' gestation were recruited.

The effect of ethnic origin on nuchal translucency at 10-14 weeks of gestation.

Introduction: Fetal nuchal translucency (NT) increases with gestation and is affected by fetal posture and fetal gender. A recent report suggested that there might also be ethnic differences. We investigated the effect of ethnic origin on NT in an Asian population.