Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Humerus length measurement in Down syndrome screening
Purpose of investigation: To compare the predictive values of different humeral shortness assessment methods in Down syndrome screening. Methods: 674 high-risk singleton pregnancies with a valid last menstrual period (LMP) date were studied. Nomogram and formulas were derived from a subset of the studied group. Sensitivities of fifth percentile and cut-off values of 0.9 for observed-to-expected (obs/exp) humerus length (HL) ratio according to biparietal diameter (BPD) and gestational age (GA) were compared. Results: Sensitivities were 20%, 46.7% and 60% for the 5th percentile, a cut-off value of 0.9 for obs/exp HL by BPD and a cut-off value of 0.9 for obs/exp HL by GA, respectively. Conclusion: Using gestational age instead of BPD when calculating expected humeral length may increase the predictive role of humeral shortness in Down syndrome screening of pregnant women with valid and correct LMP.