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Clinical experience with the triple test for Down's syndrome screening.
J G Thornton1, R S Cartmill, J Williams
1University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. James' Hospital, Leeds, England.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Maternal serum screening for chromosomal disorders, using the triple test, was introduced for women over 30. High uptake did not increase amniocentesis rates, as younger women
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Biochemical screening
Background:
- Maternal age over 30 is a risk factor for chromosomal disorders.
- Prenatal screening aims to identify pregnancies at increased risk.
- Previous screening methods had limitations in unselected populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the introduction of maternal serological screening for chromosomal disorders.
- To assess the impact of the triple test on amniocentesis rates in an unselected population.
- To determine the feasibility of widespread implementation of this screening method.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring maternal serological screening for chromosome disorders in two hospitals.
- Utilizing the triple test: measurement of three maternal serum substances combined with maternal age.
- Assessing test uptake and amniocentesis rates across different maternal age groups.
Main Results:
- High uptake of the triple test was observed in the antenatal clinic population.
- No overall increase in amniocentesis numbers occurred.
- Increased amniocentesis in younger mothers was offset by decreased rates in older women.
Conclusions:
- Maternal serological screening (triple test) can be successfully implemented in unselected populations.
- The screening did not lead to an overall rise in invasive procedures like amniocentesis.
- Widespread adoption is expected to improve Down's syndrome detection rates.