Genetic assessment following increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype

Prenat Diagn. 2011 Mar;31(3):307-10. doi: 10.1002/pd.2718. Epub 2011 Feb 15.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the first formal approach for monitoring genetic/developmental syndromes associated with the presence of an increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness (>3 mm) in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: Multiple technologies-a DNA chip using the APEX technology, qPCR, microfluidic PCR, and sequencing-were applied to assay 310 mutations across five conditions-Noonan syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), DiGeorge syndrome, and Smith-Lemli Opitz syndrome.

Results: We report the results of assessing the first 120 patients in which 8 cases of Noonan syndrome were detected as well as an unusually high rate of heterozygosity for SMA.

Conclusion: While testing for Noonan syndrome in association with increased NT appears warranted, the reported association of the remaining four genetic syndromes is likely to be weak and possibly insignificant.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / genetics
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / methods
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / genetics
  • Neck / abnormalities*
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Noonan Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Noonan Syndrome / genetics
  • Nuchal Translucency Measurement* / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SOS1 Protein / genetics

Substances

  • SOS1 Protein