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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Different Risk Levels In Identical Twins Based On Nuchal Scan?

Hi have just had my nuchal result back for identical twin and they have different risk one had a nuchal fold of 2.1 and a risk of 1:523 and the other a nuchal fold of 3.3 and a risk of 1:18, how is this possible when I've been told they are exactly the same. Any explantation would be grateful
Mon, 5 Oct 2015
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Unfortunately because of the way that cells and chromosomes divide to make twins, it is possible that a mismatch can occur genetically and that one fetus could be abnormal with the other being OK. Also the nucchal translucency is not 100% accurate, so you may find out that that fetus is completely normal. These tests results are given as a risk ratio: meaning you have a 1 on 532 chance on one baby being born with a genetic abnormality, compared to a 1 in 18 risk in the other. But that still means that you have the greatest likelihood of having nothing wrong with the fetus at all.

The best way to proceed from here is for your OB provider to consult with a genetic counselor or a high-risk obstetrician on the best course of action. Only an amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling) can give you a 100% answer of the genetics of the fetus. There is a risk of complications of both of these procedures, but if you are able to get care at a university medical center they have the best high risk OB departments and the best trained people to help you.

I hope this information was helpful and everything turns out to be OK.

Best wishes and good luck with the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown
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What Causes Different Risk Levels In Identical Twins Based On Nuchal Scan?

Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Unfortunately because of the way that cells and chromosomes divide to make twins, it is possible that a mismatch can occur genetically and that one fetus could be abnormal with the other being OK. Also the nucchal translucency is not 100% accurate, so you may find out that that fetus is completely normal. These tests results are given as a risk ratio: meaning you have a 1 on 532 chance on one baby being born with a genetic abnormality, compared to a 1 in 18 risk in the other. But that still means that you have the greatest likelihood of having nothing wrong with the fetus at all. The best way to proceed from here is for your OB provider to consult with a genetic counselor or a high-risk obstetrician on the best course of action. Only an amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling) can give you a 100% answer of the genetics of the fetus. There is a risk of complications of both of these procedures, but if you are able to get care at a university medical center they have the best high risk OB departments and the best trained people to help you. I hope this information was helpful and everything turns out to be OK. Best wishes and good luck with the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown