Northern Region Fetal Abnormality Survey results 1987

The UK Northern Region Fetal Abnormality Survey was notified of 572 suspected fetal abnormalities in 1987. Of these, 265 (46%) had pediatric surgical implications. Because the registry traces the postnatal outcome of each notification and records congenital abnormalities diagnosed postnatally, it is possible to measure both sensitivity and selectivity of antenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities. Cases were divided into five groups: diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal wall defects, intestinal anomalies, neural tube defects, and urological anomalies. Each group comprised cases that were unsuspected, suspected but not confirmed, and suspected and confirmed. Sensitivity was highest in the urological group, but 30% of the notified cases were unconfirmed so selectivity was higher in the abdominal wall and neural tube groups. None of the diaphragmatic hernias and only 14.3% of the intestinal anomalies were correctly suspected. Only 13.5% of all neural tube defects were treated surgically. The Survey has improved cooperation and communication between specialists concerned with the management of fetal abnormalities and this in turn has improved patient care.