[Parent's information and prenatal diagnosis of cerebral malformation with an uncertain prognosis].
Fetal ultrasounds examinations allow identification of brain malformations; announce of diagnosis and information about prognosis may be difficult when malformation is rare and prognosis uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
In this study we tried to analyze how fetal imaging for prenatal screening was organized and how couples were managed and supported.


METHODS
We focused on the procedures used to inform couples: content, method of delivery and consequences. A referent physician in each large multidisciplinary center for prenatal diagnosis in Paris area was questioned by semi-directed interview.


RESULTS
Our study showed that it is difficult to standardize the way in which information is supplied before and after fetal ultrasounds examination; uncertainty about prognosis led more often to abortion.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, couples should have clear and complete information provided by a multidisciplinary team including specialists particularly concerned by the malformation (neuropediatrician and/or neurosurgeon)--moreover when prognosis is uncertain, in order to support them, and to accompany their decision concerning pregnancy.
Moutard
M-L
ML
Service de neuropédiatrie, hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, AP-HP, 74-82, avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75674 Paris 14, France. marielaure.moutard@svp.ap-hop-paris.fr
Fauriel
I
I
Moutel
G
G
François
I
I
Feingold
J
J
Ponsot
G
G
Hervé
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal