Frequency of echogenic intracardiac focus by race/ethnicity in euploid fetuses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) by race/ethnicity.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis from January 1996 through June 2003. We reviewed all initial sonograms from 14 to 23 weeks gestation in singleton pregnancies. Mothers on admission for delivery provided race/ethnicity.


RESULTS
There were 8207 ultrasounds and deliveries that met study criteria. There were 4636 (56.5%) Caucasian, 2087 (25.4%) African-American, 1261 (15.4%) Hispanic and 223 (2.7 %) Asian subjects. There were 347 (4.2%) EIF detected. The frequency by race/ethnicity varied significantly (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This large, population-based study showed that fetuses born to Asian mothers were significantly more likely to have an EIF. This racial difference should be taken into account when counseling patients about the potential for Down syndrome.
Borgida
Adam F
AF
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT 06102, USA. aborgid@harthosp.org
Maffeo
Christine
C
Gianferarri
Elisa A
EA
Bolnick
Alan D
AD
Zelop
Carolyn M
CM
Egan
James F X
JF
D001741:Black or African American; D001213:Asian; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology*; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D044465:White People