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Introduction of first trimester combined test increases uptake of Down's syndrome screening
Gillian M Tringham1, Tariq S Nawaz, Stephen Holding
1Hull York Medical School, Hertford Building, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK.
Insights
The introduction of the first trimester combined test significantly increased antenatal screening for Down's syndrome in all age groups. This led to earlier decision-making for expectant mothers regarding further testing or pregnancy management.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Antenatal screening for Down's syndrome is crucial for informed pregnancy decisions.
- The first trimester combined test offers earlier detection compared to previous methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in Down's syndrome screening uptake.
- To evaluate the impact of the first trimester combined test on screening rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of screening data from Hull Royal Infirmary (2007-2010).
- Uptake rates were analyzed across five age groups.
- Data compared before and after the introduction of the combined test.
Main Results:
- Antenatal screening uptake for Down's syndrome increased from 43.9% to 56.5% after the combined test introduction in 2010.
- The increase in uptake was observed across all maternal age groups.
- No significant change in the rate of invasive testing following a positive screen.
Conclusions:
- The first trimester combined test has successfully enhanced antenatal screening rates for Down's syndrome.
- Earlier detection facilitates timely decision-making for women regarding diagnostic procedures and pregnancy management.
- The improved uptake highlights the clinical value of earlier screening options.
Objective:
To describe any trends in the uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome since the addition of the earlier first trimester combined test.
Study Design:
All antenatal screening tests for Down's syndrome were carried out and their results were recorded by the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the Hull Royal Infirmary (HRI) and reviewed against the antenatal booking data held at the Women and Children's Hospital at HRI. The uptake of antenatal Down's syndrome screening for 5 different age groups of women across a four-year-period from 2007 to 2010 was analysed.
Results:
There was a significant increase in uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome from 43.9% to 56.5% after the introduction of the combined test in 2010. This increase was apparent in all age groups. There was no change in the proportion of women opting for an invasive test following a positive screening test.
Conclusion:
Addition of the earlier first trimester combined test has increased uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome in women of all ages. This is most likely due to the advantages this test gives women such as earlier decision making, earlier further invasive diagnostic testing and earlier termination, if necessary.
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