[Pre- and postpartum ultrasound examinations for diagnosis of urogenital abnormalities]

The aim of the study was to evaluate prenatal and postpartal sonographic investigations to diagnose congenital uropathies.

The Mainz birth defect monitoring system, the "Mainzer Model", was launched in 1990. Over a period of five years (1/90 to 1/95) 19,028 newborns underwent postpartal sonographic examination. Anamnestic data including prepartal sonographic examination were collected. According to a defined ultrasound criteria list, ultrasound findings were considered normal in 94.8% of the neonates, 4.4% were defined as requiring a follow-up examination and 0.8% were pathological. In the current study we analyzed patients with pathological findings with their pre- and postpartal sonographic investigations as well as their clinical data (urinary tract infections, operative procedures).

In the study group prenatal ultrasonography showed evidence of severe anomalies only in 51 fetuses (32.9%). Surgical correction was required in 39 cases. 20 (51%) have been diagnosed prenatally. 28 patients presented with urinary tract infections. Out of this group only 11 patients have been detected by prenatal ultrasound.

In conclusion, postnatal ultrasound is more effective to diagnose anomalies of the urinary tract. To prevent complications i.e. urinary tract infections a neonatal screening program would be valuable.