Screening for foetal malformations: performance of routine ultrasonographyin the population of the Swiss Canton of Vaud

Citation
Y. Vial et al., Screening for foetal malformations: performance of routine ultrasonographyin the population of the Swiss Canton of Vaud, SWISS MED W, 131(33-34), 2001, pp. 490-494
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
SWISS MEDICAL WEEKLY
ISSN journal
14247860 → ACNP
Volume
131
Issue
33-34
Year of publication
2001
Pages
490 - 494
Database
ISI
SICI code
1424-7860(20010825)131:33-34<490:SFFMPO>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Objective: To determine the sensitivity of ultrasonography in screening for foetal malformations in the pregnant women of the Swiss Canton of Vaud. Study design: Retrospective study over a period of five years. Method: We focused our study on 512 major or minor clinically relevant malf ormations detectable by ultrasonography. We analysed the global sensitivity of the screening and compared the performance of the tertiary centre with that of practitioners working in private practice or regional hospitals. Results: Among the 512 malformations, 181 (35%) involved the renal and urin ary tract system, 137 (27%) the heart, 71 (14%) the central nervous system, 50 (10%) the digestive system, 42 (8%) the face and 31 (6%) the limbs. Glo bal sensitivity was 54.5%. The lowest detection rate was observed for cardi ac anomalies, with only 23% correct diagnoses. The tertiary centre achieved a 75% detection rate in its outpatient clinic and 83% in referred patients . Outside the referral centre, the diagnostic rate attained 47%. Conclusions: Routine foetal examination by ultrasonography in a low-risk po pulation can detect foetal structural abnormalities. Apart from the diagnos is of cardiac abnormalities, the results in the Canton of Vaud are satisfac tory and justify routine screening for malformations in a low-risk populati on. A prerequisite is continuing improvement in the skills of ultrasonograp hers through medical education.