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Serum screening for Down syndrome and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a case-controlled study
R Ogle1, E Jauniaux, G S Pahal
1Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
Prenatal Diagnosis
|March 1, 2000
Summary
False positive Down syndrome screening tests in pregnant women did not show a strong link to adverse perinatal outcomes. This study found no significant evidence of increased risks for conditions like pre-eclampsia or stillbirth.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Genetics Screening
Background:
- Biochemical screening tests for Down syndrome are widely used in antenatal care.
- False positive results can cause anxiety for expectant mothers.
- Understanding potential associations with adverse perinatal outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between false positive Down syndrome screening tests and adverse perinatal outcomes.
- To compare pregnancy outcomes in women with false positive screening results versus those with negative results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-controlled study of 4000 women undergoing biochemical screening.
- Study group: 272 women with false positive Down syndrome screening (risk >1 in 250).
- Control group: 272 age and gestation-matched women with negative screening results.
Main Results:
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 11.9% of the study group and 8.6% of the control group.
- The odds ratio for an abnormal outcome in the study group was 1.41 (95% CI: 0.790–2.55).
- The difference in proportions was not statistically significant (p=0.40).
Conclusions:
- No strong evidence suggests a link between false positive Down syndrome screening results and subsequent adverse perinatal outcomes.
- False positive screening results do not appear to be a significant predictor of complications like pre-eclampsia, IUGR, preterm labor, or stillbirth in the general population.