Ultra Sound Evaluation of Fetal Anomalies in Incidence in Libya

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the role of ultra-sound assessing the incidence of fetal anomalies in Libya. Fifty pregnant ladies were randomly scanned to evaluate the incidence of fetal anomalies from November 2007 to march 2008. The data had been collected in the Ultrasound Center in Bingazi Libya, this center is well equipped with advanced real time scanners. The probes used were a Toshiba Nemio convex probe, TS probe and a Toshiba Just Version, convex probe PVG 3-5 MHz and a TVS probe PVT 610V. The incidence of fetal anomalies in Libya was found to be consistent with that of the literature review, except for the fetal head anomalies which were higher than international. The incidence of fetal anomalies was found to be 38% in the Eastern population, 16% in the Western population, 16% in the middle region, 10% in the South and 20% in the Northern population. The distribution of representing females according to age is as follows: 14% between 18-25 years of age; 38% between the ages of 26-35; 48% of 36-45 years of age and the least representing age was more than 45 years age. The distribution of pregnant ladies among trimesters was 10% for the first trimester, 34% for the second trimester and 56% for the third trimester being the highest. The presenting symptoms were as follows: exaggeration of fetal movement represented 8%; shortness of breath being the most common representing symptom 36%; decreased fetal anomalies 20%; abdominal pain 14% and loin pain 22% of representing symptoms. The clinical findings ranged between; fundal level more than the date (18%), the fundal level less than the date (10%) and fundal level corresponding to the date (72%). Ananceohaly represented the most found brain fetal anomaly (10%), the least anomalies being acrania (2%) , hydroanencepahly (2%), and spina bifida (2%). Orbital defects and cystic hygroma the most common head and neck anomalies (each 4%), and no incidence for frontonosal dysplasia. There were no findings for thoracic fetal anomalies. Umbilical hernia (8%) of anterior abdominal wall defects, Omphalocele (6%), and no findings for gastrooschitis or amniotic band syndrome. Fetal abdominal anomalies were distributed as follows: situs inversus (6%), duodenal atresia (2%). There were no skeletal fetal anomalies. Poly cystic diseases were the most common genitourinary fetal anomalies (8%), others being renal agenesis (6%), and U.V junction obstruction (2%). Maternal age of more than 36 years and increasing parity were found to be the strongest factors associated with fetal anomalies.