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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 1

Category: Ultrasound/Imaging

Poster Session 1

(187) Risk of adverse perinatal outcomes after low-risk NIPT and elevated nuchal translucency > 95%

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:

Fetal nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound and maternal serum noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are important components of early pregnancy risk assessment. It is widely accepted that an abnormal nuchal translucency (NT) is associated with increased risk for major fetal structural anomalies, genetic defects, and fetal loss. However, there is a paucity of evidence to guide counseling regarding perinatal outcomes in the setting of low-risk NIPT. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between an elevated NT and the risk for adverse perinatal outcomes after low-risk NIPT. 


 

Study Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who received an NT ultrasound at our tertiary care center between 1/2021-12/2024. Those with an NT greater than the 95th %ile and a low risk NIPT were included. Data on delivery timing, mode of delivery, and maternal and fetal complications were collected. The cohort was divided into two groups: NT 95-98th %ile and NT > 99th %ile. Variables were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Student’s T-tests as appropriate.


 

Results:

96 patients met inclusion criteria. 54 patients had an NT between 95-98th %ile and 42 had an NT greater than the 99th%ile. The overall rate of preterm birth in the cohort was 17.6% (11.3% in those with NT 95-98th %ile; 26.3% in those with NT > 99th %ile; p = 0.0639). The overall rate of Cesarean delivery was 39.8% (38.5% in those with NT 95-98%ile; 41.7% in those with NT > 99%ile; p= 0.7926). 22.9% of the cohort had at least one fetal complication (13% in those with NT between 95-98%ile, 35.7% in those with NT > 99%ile; p= 0.0085).


 

Conclusion:

Despite a low-risk NIPT, an elevated NT > 95%ile is associated with increased risk for preterm birth, Cesarean delivery, and fetal complications at rates higher than national average. These rates are even more striking for patients with an NT > 99%ile. These findings underscore that patient-centered counseling should include a thorough discussion of the increased perinatal and delivery-related risks after an abnormal NT ultrasound.