A. Strauss et H. Hepp, Quality standards and litigation in prenatal diagnosis routine ultrasound:Pitfalls - What may be missed?, Z GEBU NEON, 205(1), 2001, pp. 2-11
Background: As with all new diagnostic options in medicine, great hope was
placed in the introduction of high-resolution prenatal sonography. Progress
tends to carry with it a demanding attitude of higher expectations. Patien
ts and doctors alike may initially overestimate the possibilities of medica
l advances.
Questions: The question at hand is whether objective criteria can validate
a positive influence of prenatal ultrasound on fetal outcome, How should a
sonographic routine screening be structured, and what legal aspects need to
be taken into consideration?
Material and methods: This is an attempt to survey the heterogeneous pool o
f internationally published data with regard to these critical questions. O
nly a rationally devised analysis of possibilities and restrictions of rout
ine prenatal sonography can answer the question of "what - if anything - ma
y be missed?"
Results and conclusions: Screening ultrasound matches sonography on indicat
ion. Despite controversial data a discussion of different studies leads to
a positive conclusion on the benefits of ultrasound monitoring in pregnant
women. Ultrasound-screening has an explicit effect on medical and economic
issues as well as on litigation.