Hori E, Koyanagi T, Yoshizato T, Maeda H, Satoh S, Suita S, Ueda K, Nakano H
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Fetal Diagn Ther. 1993 Nov-Dec;8(6):388-401. doi: 10.1159/000263857.
We herein reviewed 630 malformed fetuses delivered from 24 weeks of gestation onwards in our institute over the past 22 years. These fetuses were divided into 2 groups: 210 from 1970 to 1982 (group 1) and 420 from 1983 to 1991 (group 2). Twenty-two varieties of congenital malformations were diagnosed antenatally in group 1, whereas 55 additional malformations became diagnosable in group 2. Thirty-four varieties of congenital malformations still remained undiagnosed throughout the 22-year study period. Cases receiving 'fetal therapy' and 'close obstetric care' increased, with statistical significance, from 1.8 to 15.7%, and from 22.9 to 55.7% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. A significant increase was also noted in the survival rate from group 1 (63.3%: 105/166) to group 2 (75.5%: 259/343). This study has revealed that the steady advancement in antenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations, along with great efforts in terms of intensive care, has contributed to improved fetal outcome.
