Evaluation of Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies Diagnosed Prenatally: Prenatal and Postnatal Outcomes

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to examine the diagnosis types and rates of patients with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies detected in the prenatal period between 2021-2022 in our perinatology clinic and to contribute to the literature.
METHODS: Our study included 191 patients with CNS anomaly and whose pregnancy results were reached. Demographic characteristics of the patients, additional detected anomalies, fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and genetic results, obstetric and neonatal results were evaluated if requested.
RESULTS: Neural tube defects (NTD) were found most frequently at 75.3%, and among these, acrania was found most frequently at 27.2%. While 74.3% of the detected CNS anomalies were isolated anomalies, it was found that 5.2% were accompanied by additional CNS anomalies and 21.9% were accompanied by additional extracranial anomalies. Abnormal karyotype was obtained in 12.1% of the patients who wanted to have a prenatal diagnosis test. It was found that 11% of the patients requested fetal MRI and ventriculomegaly was the most common fetal MRI indication. While the pregnancies of 56.5% of the patients were terminated, 37.7% of them gave live births. The rate of surgical intervention in live-born babies with CNS anomalies was found to be 56.9%. A total mortality rate of 43% was found in live-born babies.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since CNS anomalies are associated with serious morbidity and mortality; Prenatal diagnosis is very important so that families can be offered a pregnancy termination option and those who will continue to be pregnant should be informed about the treatment and rehabilitation processes of their babies.