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Objective: To assess the indications and distribution of cases chosen for termination of pregnancy and reasons delaying until third trimester termination. Methods: Retrospective study of cases between 2002 and 2006 in the hospital council. Cases were divided in two groups , as early termination (<23 weeks of gestation) and late termination (≥23 weeks of gestation). All pregnant women who underwent termination were classified according to related systemic pathology and chorionicity. Reasons for delaying until third trimester termination were evaluated in four groups. Results: During this five year period 1.449 complicated pregnancies were counseled and in 713 cases termination was offered. Of 677 cases (94.95%) with termination, 412 cases (60.09%) had early and 265 cases (39.91%) late termination. The most frequent indications were central nervous system abnormalities (51.7%), chromosomal abnormalities (11.7%), and urogenital abnormalities (8.4%). The main reason for delaying termination was failure of screening by ultrasound (65.6%). Conclusion: Systematic screening for fetal anomalies is the main step for prevention of affected pregnancies. Information given to parents for TOP is important, but the decision for TOP is influenced by many factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the sonographic characteristics of fetuses with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Materials and Methods: From March 2002 to December 2006, we reviewed the database and medical records of 25 cases with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. The subjects were recruited from pregnant women undergoing prenatal sonographic examinations at 13-28 weeks of gestation and subsequently proven trisomy 18 or 13. The results of ultrasound findings were reviewed in these cases with chromosomes confirmed as trisomy 18 and/or 13. Results: All cases had at least one abnormal sonographic finding. The common sonographic findings included choroid plexus cysts, abnormal head shape, cardiac anomalies, holoprosencephaly with associated facial anomalies, abnormal feet and/or hands, especially polydactyly, clenched hand, omphalocele. Non-structural abnormal findings such as polyhydroamnios or fetal growth restriction were seen in less than one third of the fetuses. Discussion: Nearly all fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 had characteristic sonographic patterns of abnormalities demonstrated at midpregnancy. Detailed ultrasound at midpregnancy could effectively screen fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 for further genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]