OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine whether specific ultrasonographic findings in the prenatal period were associated with survival of children affected with trisomy 18. METHOD: Between October 1987 and July 2004, we collected 24 cases with trisomy 18. We investigated the relationship of prenatal ultrasonographic findings, gestational age at delivery, the Apgar score, the mode of delivery, and the neonatal treatment strategies, with survival time. RESULTS: 17 of the 24 neonates died within 1 month after birth (Group 1), 5 died within 12 months (Group 2), and 2 survived for more than 1 year (Group 3). Severe polyhydramnios was more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the fluid in fetal stomach was visible in all cases. Severe cardiac anomalies were more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, all neonates were girl. CONCLUSION: Prenatal ultrasonographic findings associated with survival less than 1 month included severe polyhydramnios, absence of the fluid in the stomach, severe cardiac anomaly and male sex.
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine whether specific ultrasonographic findings in the prenatal period were associated with survival of children affected with trisomy 18. METHOD: Between October 1987 and July 2004, we collected 24 cases with trisomy 18. We investigated the relationship of prenatal ultrasonographic findings, gestational age at delivery, the Apgar score, the mode of delivery, and the neonatal treatment strategies, with survival time. RESULTS: 17 of the 24 neonates died within 1 month after birth (Group 1), 5 died within 12 months (Group 2), and 2 survived for more than 1 year (Group 3). Severe polyhydramnios was more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the fluid in fetal stomach was visible in all cases. Severe cardiac anomalies were more frequent in group 1. In groups 2 and 3, all neonates were girl. CONCLUSION: Prenatal ultrasonographic findings associated with survival less than 1 month included severe polyhydramnios, absence of the fluid in the stomach, severe cardiac anomaly and male sex.