Source
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. iruretagoyen@wisc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association between fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) during the second trimester and perinatal outcome.
METHODS:
A retrospective chart review of FEB during the second trimester over 3 years.
RESULTS:
A total of 56 women were identified of 9067 screened (0.6%) women. Forty-seven agreed to genetic counseling (84%). Of those, 22 (39%) agreed to an amniocentesis. There were three cases of trisomy 21, one case of trisomy 18 and one case of fetal CMV infection. Twelve fetuses had an adverse outcome (21%), with only three of them having an echogenic bowel as the only finding.
CONCLUSIONS:
In our study, almost 80% of the fetuses had an uncomplicated perinatal outcome. FEB was present as the only finding in only 5% of the fetuses with an adverse outcome. A potential association with placental abnormalities and a low prevalence of viral infections was observed. These findings may be of use in counseling parents.