PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS

Serious birth defects, often genetically determined, complicate and th reaten the fives of 3% of newborn infants. These disorders account for 20% of deaths during the newborn period and an even higher percentage of serious morbidity in infancy and childhood. The cost of neonatal i ntensive care is staggering. Higher still are the costs of rehabilitat ion programs for the severely handicapped. Birth defects that go undia gnosed until late in pregnancy have immeasurable and tragic effects on the family. With the growing recognition of the frequency and importa nce of congenital disorders and with current social trends toward smal ler families and delays in childbearing, prenatal diagnosis is importa nt in the management of many pregnancies. This monograph reviews gener al indications for prenatal diagnosis, maternal serum screening, indiv idual prenatal diagnosis procedures, ultrasound screening and targeted ultrasound, and newer applications currently under investigation.