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Second trimester routine ultrasound and abnormal findings
K Eurenius1, O Axelsson, L Eriksson
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Second trimester ultrasound screening detected abnormalities in 0.7% of cases, with confirmed fetal anomalies in 0.5%. The study highlights a poor outcome for these confirmed cases, with 71% resulting in termination or fetal death.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Second trimester ultrasound screening is a key component of antenatal care.
- Accurate detection of fetal anomalies is crucial for appropriate management and counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the detection rate of abnormal findings, particularly fetal anomalies, during second trimester ultrasound screening.
- To assess the performance of this screening in a representative Swedish antenatal clinic setting.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 8,228 pregnant women (8,345 fetuses) over two years in Uppsala county, Sweden.
- Ultrasound scans were conducted by specially trained midwives.
- Abnormalities suspected by midwives were registered and confirmed by obstetricians, with pregnancy outcomes meticulously documented.
Main Results:
- Suspected abnormalities were reported in 0.7% of screenings, with confirmed abnormalities in 0.5% (0.36% fetal malformations).
- Of the 42 confirmed cases, 17 pregnancies were terminated, 11 resulted in miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death, and 14 resulted in live births (two with postnatal mortality).
Conclusions:
- The implemented ultrasound screening protocol identified abnormalities in 0.7% and confirmed them in 0.5% of cases.
- Confirmed abnormalities had a high rate of adverse outcomes, with 71% leading to termination, miscarriage, or perinatal death.