Prenatal ultrasound detection of fetal malformations in Inner Mongolia region

Objectives: Ultrasonic rates of fetal malformation and prenatal soft-marker positivity in Mongolian and Han populations were investigated through a standardized screening protocol. Methods: A retrospective study of 7753 pregnancies (Mongolian, 1314; Han, 5751; others, 688) was conducted in our hospital, examining prenatal fetal ultrasound tests performed between September, 2011 and February, 2013. All ultrasonography scan were done during weeks 17-34 of gestation. Results: Of these pregnancies (N=7753; fetuses, 7955), 396 (4.98%) instances of fetal malformation were detected, 322 (4.05%) through ultrasonic soft markers. Instances of fetal malformation totaled 50 (3.72%) and 315 (5.33%), respectively in Mongolian and Han ethnic subsets, with ultrasound softmarker positivity in 59 (4.39%) and 245 (4.15%) fetuses, respectively. Focally intense cardiac echogenicity and mild expansion of renal pelvis were common positive signs by ultrasound. Central nervous system, cardiovascular, and genitourinary malformations predominated. Conclusions: The array and rate of fetal malformations detected by prenatal ultrasound corresponded closely with regional birth defect data. Mongolian and Han ethnic groups showed no statistically significant differences in prenatal fetal malformation detection rate or ultrasonic soft-marker positivity.