Considering the age
of the mother, the width of the translucency allows for judging the risk of
chromosome faults starting from the 12th week
of pregnancy; especially Trisomie 21 (Down´s Syndrome or Mongolism).
In combination
with an additional test of the mother's blood (PAPP- A and free
Beta-HCG) the results of the ultrasonic examination can be improved.
80 % of chromosome faults can be predicted if
nuchal translucency exceeds a certain width and blood tests of
the mother show abnormalities.
Enlarged
nuchal translucency might also point to other mutations; e.g. cardiac defects. In
these cases careful ultrasonic examinations of the organs should be carried out during
the 21st and 22nd week of pregnancy.
