Implications of the First Trimester 2d and 3d Ultrasound in Pregnancy Outcome.

BACKGROUND

In this study we researched for the first trimester pregnancy measurements by transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound: gestational sac volume (GSV), embryo volume (EV), placenta volume (PV), yolk sac volume (YSV) and crown rump lengh (CRL) in predicting pregnancy outcome. Our goals was to demonstrate the ability of the first trimester ultrasound in identifying patients at high risk for abortion, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight.

METHODS

Prospective observational clinical study that investigated the role of the first trimester 2D and volumetric (3D) measurements in predicting pregnancy outcome. The study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Emergency County Hospital in Craiova during a study period of 3 years (between 2016 and 2018). The study included a number of 87 pregnancies. Patients included in the study were offered an early 2D and 3D transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and afterwards they were followed up until delivery. The statistical analyses (standard deviation, coefficient of variety, Cohen K correlation coefficient) determined a correlation between the two ultrasound methods, between the values of these parameters and pregnancy prognosis, the correlation being more relevant for the 3D ultrasound. The GSV, EV, YSV, PV, CRL and pregnancy outcome was established.

RESULTS

Our study showed that the concordance degree between the two methods was 89.7%. 3D ultrasound had a diagnostic impact in 96.6% of the cases, while 2D ultrasound had a diagnostic impact in 89.6% of the cases. The incidence of the patients at high risk for complications was recorded in pregnancies with abnormal early ultrasound markers.

CONCLUSIONS

First trimester ultrasound is a capable method for identifying a higher percentage of patients at risk of pregnancy complications, counseling and monitoring compared to 2D ultrasound. Also, because there is no radiation exposure, the risks are non-existent.