HOW ANTENATAL ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS HAS CONTRIBUTED TO FETAL-OUTCOME - A 22-YEAR REVIEW

We herein reviewed 630 malformed fetuses delivered from 24 weeks of ge station onwards in our institute over the past 22 years. These fetuses were divided into 2 groups: 210 from 1970 to 1982 (group 1) and 420 f rom 1983 to 1991 (group 2). Twenty-two varieties of congenital malform ations were diagnosed antenatally in group 1, whereas 55 additional ma lformations became diagnosable in group 2. Thirty-four varieties of co ngenital malformations still remained undiagnosed throughout the 22-ye ar study period. Cases receiving 'fetal therapy' and 'close obstetric care' increased, with statistical significance, from 1.8 to 15.7%, and from 22.9 to 55.7% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. A significant inc rease was also noted in the survival rate from group 1 (63.3%: 105/166 ) to group 2 (75.5%: 259/343). This study has revealed that the steady advancement in antenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations, along with great efforts in terms of intensive care, has contributed to imp roved fetal outcome.