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Sonographic evaluation of the fetal great arteries is a crucial aspect of prenatal care, especially when assessing for potential arch anomalies or pulmonary slings. Key elements to consider during this examination include the origin and course of the pulmonary arteries, the position and branching patterns of the aortic arch, and the relationship of the ductus…
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Introduction In recent years, research has provided new insights into fetal heart rate (FHR) values and their variations during gestation. Traditionally, clinicians have relied on standardized thresholds to assess fetal well-being. However, emerging studies highlight how conditions like Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) can disrupt these norms, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to…
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Preparing for parenthood involves prenatal screenings, which may unveil the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, or trisomy 21. In the second trimester, certain sonographic markers aid in assessing this risk. In this post, we delve into the statistical techniques that transform ultrasound observations into precise risk assessments. Soft markers, identified during the anatomy…
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A soft marker is defined as a finding on an antenatal ultrasound that can be associated with an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality, such as aneuploidy, but which may also be seen in normal fetal development. These markers are not defects themselves and often have no clinical significance on their own, but their presence…
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The landscape of prenatal testing is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in genetic technology. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) has emerged as a game-changer, offering a non-invasive blood test to screen for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. However, navigating the choices between NIPT, amniocentesis, and the role of soft markers in this new era can be…
Fetal Cardiac Care 