First trimester Down syndrome screening: public health implications.
Down syndrome (DS) screening has been an integral part of routine prenatal screening for the last three decades. Recent efforts have been directed at developing additional non-invasive prenatal screening techniques that could not only improve sensitivity of prenatal screening, but also be employed in the first trimester to offer earlier diagnostic and interventional opportunities. Nuchal translucency has proven to be an effective and cost-effective screening test that, when combined with serum markers (hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein [PAPP-A]) in the first and/or second trimester, broadens the diagnostic possibilities and improves the diagnostic capabilities of current prenatal DS screening methods. Despite the potential benefits, significant operational issues regarding access to and availability of such testing may limit its widespread application and necessitates the maintenance of both non-sonographic and second trimester screening methods. The implementation of first trimester DS testing requires the development and maintenance of nationally standardized quality control systems to ensure the reliability of serum and ultrasound measurements and the accurate assessment of risk. Future efforts to improve prenatal screening should continue to emphasize the need for improved access to all aspects of prenatal care, stress the importance of provider education and the necessity for extensive patient counseling, and reinforce the role of patient education and choice.
Fuchs
Karin M
KM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants' Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
Peipert
Jeffrey F
JF
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011266:Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A / Q000378:metabolism; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D011634:Public Health
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011266:Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A