Fetal congenital anomalies diagnosed by ultrasound in Asian and non-Asian women.

The incidence of congenital heart defects in Asian children is significantly higher than in non-Asian, however little data are available for other anomalies. The Fetal Management Unit at St Mary's Hospital is a tertiary referral centre for prenatal diagnosis in the north-west region. Using data collected after routine prenatal ultrasonography between 1996-2001, we show that in a defined population there was a significant reduction in the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) anomalies over this period but not in other anomalies. Furthermore, fetal congenital anomalies were diagnosed in a higher proportion of Asian than non-Asian women, with CNS, cardiac, bowel, thoracic and facial anomalies and hydrops being statistically significant. Monitoring local trends in a multiethnic community is essential for appropriate counselling, providing parents with an informed choice and in assessing the effectiveness of interventions.