[Pre- and postnatal kidney screening compared: an analysis of 34,450 newborn infants of the Mainz model birth register].
Malformations of the internal urogenital system are common. The birth registry "Mainz Model" reflects population-based prevalence of renal malformations, calculates sensitivity rates of the prenatal ultrasonographic findings and demonstrates rates of surgery needed.


METHODS
During the study period (1990-2001) all newborns of the area of Mainz were examined according to a standardized procedure including ultrasonography of the kidneys. Pathology reports were reviewed for stillbirth, abortions (> 15.SSW) and induced abortions. Beside these clinical findings, since 1996 (after implementation of a special ultrasonographic malformation screening according to the german maternity guidelines) the results of prenatal as well as postnatal ultrasonographic examinations of the kidney were recorded. All children with pathologic diagnoses of the kidneys were retrospectively analysed. Data about the follow up and surgery if needed, were collected.


RESULTS
During the study period from 1990-2001 34.450 newborns were examined. 407 of the neonates (1.2%) had a malformation of the kidney. During the study period from 1996-2001 13.162 neonates were examined. 194 neonates (1.5%) had pathologic and 225 neonates (2.07%) had controllable findings. The most common diagnoses were supernumerary kidney, hydronephroses und megaureter. 22 neonates (12.8%) underwent surgery. The sensitivity of the prenatal ultrasonography was 36% and the specificity was 99%.


CONCLUSIONS
Both, the prenatal as well as the postnatal ultrasonographic screening of the kidneys are ingenious examinations. The prenatal examination detects life threatening malformations of the kidneys. The postnatal examination completes early diagnosis of renal defects by uncovering the malformations, which have been missed prenatally. The prevalence of malformations of the kidney is comparable to the one of hip dislocation. We therefore conclude, that ultrasonographic screening of the kidneys is needed.
Stolz
G
G
Kinderklinik der Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz.
Schumacher
R
R
Wiesel
A
A
Schlaefer
K
K
Queisser-Luft
A
A
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014564:Urogenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery