EP09.89: Ultrasound findings and outcomes in fetuses with suspected congenital heart disease at less than 14 weeks of gestation compared to later gestations

This study aimed to compare the spectrum of cardiac anomalies, associated comorbidities, and outcomes in fetuses suspected of congenital heart disease at less than 14 weeks' gestation with those in the second or third trimesters, during a period when the first trimester cardiac screening program was not formally implemented. A retrospective review was conducted on 352 fetuses suspected of cardiac abnormalities. The subjects were categorised into Group I and II based on the gestational age (≤14 or >14 weeks) at which the cardiac abnormalities were initially detected. The type of CHD, ultrasound soft markers (USMs), associated extracardiac structural abnormalities (ECSA), karyotype, and pregnancy outcome were retrieved. The types of CHD in Group I, especially for isolated lesions, were less varied than those in Group II. Isolated CHD was significantly more prevalent in Group II than in Group I (69.6% vs. 11.8%, P < 0.001). The frequency of ECSA and USMs was significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (30.3% vs. 16.67%, P < 0.01, 82.9% vs. 18.8%, P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in termination rates were observed between Groups I and II (94.74% vs. 86.23%, P = 0.043). Non-isolated cardiac abnormalities are more readily detectable in the early stages of pregnancy. Early cardiac screening does not result in a higher rate of pregnancy termination. The spectrum of cardiac abnormalities diagnosed differs between the early and mid-stages. The consideration of conducting follow-up cardiac screening during later gestation is imperative. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.