Low-pass genome sequencing reveals associations between copy number
variations and fetal ultrasonographic anomalies and soft markers in a
cohort of 43,721 fetuses
Abstract
Objective To systematically explore the association between
pathogenic/likely pathogenic copy number variations (pCNV) and
ultrasonographic anomalies and soft markers. Design Retrospective cohort
study. Setting Data were obtained from multiple centers in china.
Population or Sample Fetuses performed low-pass genome sequencing and
ultrasonography between 2016 and 2020. Method The yields of pCNV under
various ultrasonographic indications were compared with that of fetuses
with no identifiable anomalies. In addition, the ultrasonographic
characteristics of aneuploidy and pCNV were described in comparison with
those of fetuses without chromosomal aberrations. Main Outcome Measures
Yields of aneuploidy and pCNV in different ultrasonographic indications.
Results Ten of the 12 ultrasonographic anomalies had significantly
higher yield of pCNV, except for fetal hydrops and abnormal amniotic
fluid, of which the gastrointestinal, facial, respiratory systems, and
abdominal wall defect were rarely reported. Similarly, five of the 12
soft markers had significantly higher yield of pCNV, with single
umbilical artery being rarely reported. Furthermore, this study reported
that four duplications/deletions were associated with novel
ultrasonographic findings. Conclusions Based on specific
ultrasonographic phenotypes, prenatal genetic testing could be
considered in a tailored fashion. Keywords Low-pass genome sequencing;
ultrasonographic anomaly; soft marker; copy number variations;
aneuploidy; prenatal diagnosis Tweetable abstract Fetuses with
structural anomalies and specific soft markers are recommended for copy
number variations analysis