Abnormal Quad Screen Results

JandS · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 08:33 AM

Hey everyone. We just got the results back from Sharon's quad screen test, and one of the markers was abnormal.

The doctor said that the results showed a very low risk of neural tube defects, Trisomy 18 and Downs syndrome (1 in 10,000). But that the hCG was "very high." She said the results were unusual, and she even called the diagnostic lab to make sure.

She said that this type of result means an increased chace of pre-term labor, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and still birth. So she is going to send us to a high risk specialist, and genetic counselor, and for a level II u/s (our previous ultrasounds at 8 and 12 weeks were normal).

So basically I am starting to freak out a little. Now I'm worried about the baby and about Sharon's health. And the doctor called at 4:45pm yesterday and told me this over the phone, b/c Sharon wasn't home from work yet. And she and her nurse aren't in today, so we won't get to talk to her again until Thursday to ask questions and actually schedule the appointments with the specialists!

Just wanted to let you all know what was going on, and hopefully get some advice and/or reassurance. Anyone had this type of result, or know anyone that has??

Thanks so much for letting me rant and vent and for your support!

-Jacqui

bamamoms · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 10:25 AM

Jands are you sure you aren't having multiples? I new I was pregnant with twins when I had my quad testing and that is why I only had the level2 u.s. And NOT the bloodwork. The quad screen was designed for singleton gestations and will always be out of whack on multiples (obviously 2 babies would make hcg high). The lab trying to force me into the blood test but I knew it would just make me worry. That is why it is unreliable because the blood test and the u.s. Cannot be read separately but in combo with wach other.

Care75 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 10:31 AM

I have no experience with this. But I'm glad the Downs and Trisomy 18 risks are way low. That's the good news.

I think that going to a high risk OB will help. I saw one because of the twins and he was great. He did a lot of preventative stuff like put me on progesterone (again!) to avoid preterm labor. He also walked me through all of the complications that could occur so I knew what I maybe could expect. You guys will also be monitored much more frequently which to me was reassuring as well. I had sooooo many ultrasounds that I have a photo album of just those!!

Hang in there! Let us know what your OB says after you talk to her tomorrow.

Also- can they repeat the test to see if it was a lab error?

JandS · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 10:31 AM

Bamamoms- It is definitely only one baby!

I know we have to wait for the ultrasound and to see what the specialist has to say, but it is hard not to go looking for info on the internet, and then you find all kinds of things to make you even more worried!

WannaBMom74 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 12:39 PM

I just want to say do not go searching on the internet !!! when we had our 20 week u/s they found a corrid plexis cyst in her brain and an echogenic focus on her heart 2 markers for trisomy and downs we of course went searching the internet for info and all it did was make us more freaked out. ( and luckily she was born completly healthy) at least you will get to see a specialist that will make you feel more secure and you can get more ultrasounds. hopefully maybe they can redo the test. let us know how everything goes and best of luck to the both of you.

sado0604 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 02:21 PM

The internet will definitely just freak you out!! I agree that with seeing the specialist it works out great as they monitor the baby so closely. I know it is hard to wait but hopefully the dr will be able to answer more of your questions tomorrow. When are you having the ultrasound done? I hope they dont make you wait long so you can get some peace of mind!

A Squared · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 04:38 PM

Sorry that your test results came back abnormal, but please don't go searching the internet. It will just make you worry unnecessarily. Hopefully a good specialist will put your mind at ease and keep you from having any complications.

2moms2be · #8 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 05:07 AM

I have no experience with this, but i know seeing a specialist will help.

KUP

JandS · #9 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 03:45 PM

Thanks everyone! Sharon talked to her doctor today and tomorrow or Monday someone is supposed to call us to schedule an appointment for the ultrasound and to meet with the high risk OB and the genetic counselor. I think we are a little less worried. At least we know that they will be keeping a close watch on this pregnancy, and that makes me feel better. Thanks for your support.

joanna · #10 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 08:10 AM

Sorry I'm so late on this. I had abnormal quad screen results with both of my last two pregnancies (although it was increased risk of downs) and I completely understand the worry. I'm glad they are getting you in soon so you can have that reassurance. Good luck and keep us posted.

2moms2b · #11 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 06:48 AM

Ok... we had abnormal results too and I FREAKED. I was so worried, especially since it had taken us so long to conceive. I second what everyone else said... there is no point in looking on the internet and guessing what could be going on. It is hard, but try to resist.

A friend told me that since we were seeing a perinatologist (high risk doc) we would at least get a bunch of ultrasounds which ended up being a very cool thing.

In case it comes up and you need some support.... we elected to do an amniocentesis to find out about things for sure. It isn't a very popular decision it seems, especially on pregnancy boards (everyone here was supportive)... so if you need some info/support on my experience, let me know.