title: The utilisation of nuchal translucency as a prenatal marker of Down syndrome, 1993-1999.
abstract: A sample of 6,038 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Mulvey
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Atchison
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Grimwade
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Renou
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Shekleton
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011331:Private Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends*; D014739:Victoria
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers