Prenatal screening for Down syndrome.
There are many screening programmes designed to identify pregnancies at increased risk of aneuploidy, in particular Down syndrome. Serum biochemical and ultrasound screening in the first and second trimester may further confuse risk interpretation when used in unselected populations. This article reviews current Down syndrome screening programmes, their advantages and limitations, and possible areas for research.
Ogle
R F
RF
Department of Fetal Medicine, Obstetric Hospital, University College Hospital, London.
Chitty
L S
LS
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal