Multidisciplinary management of fetal surgical anomalies: the impact on maternal anxiety.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact on maternal anxiety of a multidisciplinary approach in prenatal management of fetal surgical anomalies.


METHODS
A case-control study was undertaken: Group A (cases) consisted of 16 couples receiving a prenatal multidisciplinary counselling, Group B (controls) was represented by 16 couples, who received diagnosis of the fetal anomaly and the relevant counselling by an obstetrician only. The fetuses were affected by the following gastrointestinal anomalies: gastroschisis, omphalocele, intestinal atresia.


METHODS
The Italian version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was utilized to assess maternal anxiety. In Group A maternal anxiety level was assessed after the first antenatal counselling and at birth, whereas in Group B only at birth.


RESULTS
At birth, Group A presented STAI-S scores significantly lower than after the first antenatal consultation with the team (Mean +/- SD = 39.87 +/- 6.46 versus 68.93 +/- 5.81; p < 0.01). At the end of the first day spent with the baby in the Neonatal Surgery Unit, Group A presented STAI-S scores significantly lower than Group B (Mean +/- SD = 39.87 +/- 6.46 versus 70.62 +/- 4.12; p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence of the positive impact on maternal anxiety of a multidisciplinary approach in prenatal management of fetal surgical anomalies.
Aite
L
L
Department of Neonatal Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Trucchi
A
A
Nahom
A
A
Spina
V
V
Bilancioni
E
E
Bagolan
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009774:Obstetrics; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010372:Pediatrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal