Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

I was wondering if anyone had any experience where the NT results and 1st trimester blood work were good (1/3,684) but soft markers were found during the 20 week anatomy scan?

At my 20 week anatomy scan, the doc found two soft markers for down syndrome: 1) an echogenic focus on the heart (calcification spot) and 2) mild pyelectasis (bilateral dilated kidneys).

Of course when I called the my AFP results my doctor dropped the ball and hadn't run it. So they took blood work for the AFP on Friday and I am now waiting for the results. I'm trying not to stress, but this is all so scary and upsetting.


I was just wondering if anyone has ever had good 1st trimester testing but then soft markers were found during the anatomy scan.

TIA.

Message edited 8/26/2013 8:56:19 PM.

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

I had 1 soft marker (the enlarged kidney) with my DD. all other tests were completely fine. I had extra sonos w/ a high risk Dr. They told me it was probably nothing and not to worry. They were right. DD was perfect and her kidneys were not enlarged at all at birth. (She had a kidney sono in the hospital).

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

I had great blood work (1/4,474) and then had a soft marker at my anatomy scan. (The calcification on the heart). My blood work at that time actually lowered my risk even more (1/10,000) so that eased my mind. And at my next appointment, the calcification was gone.

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

My bloodwork was always fine but at my 20 week sono they could not get clear pics of the heart. We went to a different place at 22 weeks and was told DD had persistent right umbilical vein which is sometimes a marker for DS. We went back I think it was about 2 weeks later for a fetal echocardiogram and took the Materni21 blood test. Thank god all was fine.
I would tell you not to worry, but you will anyway. Just try and stay positive. Even when there are small chances of things, doctors want to take precaution.

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

With DS 1 - I had 2 soft markers, the echogenic focus and a chorid plexus cyst. Had the amnio and everything came back great and hes perfect at almost 3 years old.

With DS 2 - I had 3 markers. The echogenic focus, a few chorid plexus cysts and a dilated bowel. This time I had a different OB and she was completely against me getting the amnio but I needed some reassurance and she sent me for the MaterniT21 test and I got great results. He is healthy and happy baby.

NT results were great for both babies.

Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

Everything was perfect at the NT scan and the anatomy scan showed the dilated kidneys. I've been going back to the hospital every 3-4 weeks since (I'm 28w5d right now) to check on the size. They keep growing in size (and not just because he's getting bigger) so they keep having me come in.

I'm not sure what to think about it. It's raised my risk of Downs from 1:22,000 to 1:20,000. Definitey nothing I'm concerned about on that end. I'm more worried about the kidneys themselves and that he'll probably need a sonogram and antibiotics etc after birth.

DS#1's pediatrician and all of the OBs in my doctors practice that I've seen aren't worried about it though and say it's completely normal (especially with boys) and corrects itself 90% of the time on its own.

Message edited 8/27/2013 8:57:22 AM.

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

I had a similar situation to yours but different markers. 1st trimester was fine and then they found 2 choriod plexus cysts and an enlarged ventricle on the baby's brain during 20 week sono. Those are soft markers for trisomy 18. I had to see high risk for the remainder of my pregnancy, more genetic testing, losts of sono's and a whole bunch of stress. In the end, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Good luck!

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

My baby had the echogenic focus at the anatomy scan. My nt results came back great (1:45,000 for downs). I was still so worried so my dr had me meet with a genetic counselor who totally put my mind at ease. My gut tells me my baby is perfectly healthy and I don't think you have anything to worry about either.

Re: Good NT results but soft markers at anatomy scan...

Thanks all of the responses and personal experiences. I should be getting my AFP results tomorrow. We are going to a genetic counselor next thurs. It is just stressful and worrisome