A Study on the Correlation of Biparietal Diameter and Femur Length with Increased Nuchal Translucency in First Trimester

Abstract Background: Nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound evaluation during the 11–13 weeks and 6 days of gestation is a routine procedure for detecting anomalies with an accuracy rate of 70%. Biparietal diameter (BPD) reflects the fetal size and short femur length (FL) is associated with chromosomal aneuploidies and skeletal dysplasia. Hence, the current research was done to assess the association between BPD, FL, and increased NT during 1 st trimester. Methodology: This was a retrospective study conducted on 145 pregnant women with increased NT. The BPD and FL data were collected at first-term gestation. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis was used to find the association between NT, BPD, and FL. Results: The NT was found to be increased in abnormal FL as compared to the normal FL, and it was significant (6.50 ± 3.10 mm vs. 4.57 ± 1.70 mm; P = 0.000). Meanwhile, there was a negative correlation between increased NT and BPD ( r = −0.140; P = 0.09), and it was nonsignificant. The FL had shown a significant negative correlation with increased NT ( r = 0.270; P = 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the correlation between decreased BPD and FL and increased NT during the first trimester. Therefore, we can use FL as an effective parameter to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidies, genetic syndromes, or evolving skeletal dysplasia at the earliest stage, thereby reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.