The utilisation of nuchal translucency as a prenatal marker of Down syndrome, 1993–1999

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: A sample of 6038 obstetric ultrasound referrals and reports between January 1993 and June 1999 in a single Melbourne private ultrasound practice was reviewed to determine whether the referral and reporting pattern for nuchal translucency (NT) measurement has changed. The proportion of both 10–14 week ultrasound scans and mid trimester fetal anatomy scan referrals increased significantly over the study period (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was also a significant increase in NT reporting and the number of specific referrals for an NT measurement over the study period (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). If current trends continue it is likely that the 10–14 week scan for NT measurement will become a routine component of antenatal care. Therefore, as a matter of urgency, it is imperative that the best and most cost‐effective screening strategy for Down syndrome in an Australian population is defined