Yolk Sac Size and Shape as Predictors of First-Trimester Pregnancy Outcome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AL-Khosos Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Qalyubia, Egypt

2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: According to estimates, about 30 and 40 % of implanted conceptions result in spontaneous abortions throughout the first trimester, the majority of which happen at an extremely early stage. Most massive losses occur relatively early in the gestational period, but after the heart activity of the embryo has appeared, the spontaneous abortion rate steadily falls to 2-5%.
Aim of the Work: To assess the yolk sac's value in terms of pregnancy outcome prediction.
Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study has been performed on 100 healthy women with singleton pregnancies and gestational ages ranging from 5 to 10 weeks. The internal YS diameter, the mean gestational sac diameter, and the crown-rump length [CRL] were all measured using electronic calipers through transvaginal ultrasound. These data were correlated with pregnancy outcome.
Results: Yolk sac regularity was lower in missed abortion cases at different weeks, the differences statistically were significant between 6 and 10 weeks of gestation. Yolk sac diameter higher in missed abortion cases at different weeks, the differences statistically were significant in weeks 8 to 10.
Conclusion: The ultrasonography measurement of yolk sac diameter and shape during the first trimester of gestation has proven to be a valuable, useful, and noninvasive technique in the examination, diagnosis, and follow-up of pregnant women in their early stages of gestation. In our study, the irregular shape of the yolk sac was found to be a significant predictor of the outcome of pregnancy.

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