Late fetal death--has ultrasound a role to play in its prevention?
Late fetal death is the principle cause of perinatal mortality (PNM) in Ireland. Real-time ultrasound scanning has been suggested as a means for identifying the fetus at risk of abnormal pregnancy outcome. Using an ultrasound-based method of fetal assessment the author noted a significant reduction in late fetal death rates over a 4 year period (1985-1988: late fetal death rate: 3.1/1000) as compared to an historic control (1983-84: late fetal death rate: 7.05/10000). In addition, as operator experience increased the false positive test rate (i.e. unnecessary delivery) was noted to fall. It is suggested that real-time ultrasound assessment of the fetus may have some role to play in preventing late fetal death.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
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Chamberlain
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000592:standards*