Late fetal death--has ultrasound a role to play in its prevention?

Late fetal death is the principle cause of perinatal mortality (PNM) in Ireland. Real-time ultrasound scanning has been suggested as a means for identifying the fetus at risk of abnormal pregnancy outcome. Using an ultrasound-based method of fetal assessment the author noted a significant reduction in late fetal death rates over a 4 year period (1985-1988: late fetal death rate: 3.1/1000) as compared to an historic control (1983-84: late fetal death rate: 7.05/10000). In addition, as operator experience increased the false positive test rate (i.e. unnecessary delivery) was noted to fall. It is suggested that real-time ultrasound assessment of the fetus may have some role to play in preventing late fetal death.