Screening for birth defects strategies for developing low resource countries

Abstract

Most low resource countries have no definite policies laid down for screening for fetal abnormalities and prenatal diagnostic techniques. The problem with screening scans and prenatal diagnostic techniques is the variable way in which they are conducted. There are no clear guidelines about what should, or what should not be done. What is needed is a standard for a routine anomaly scan. In the past 10 to 15 years, major advances have been made in prenatal screening. It has been suggested that maternal age alone as a screening strategy should be abandoned, but there is still no consensus on the most cost-effective alternative, and thus no national strategy exists. This document will provide parameters for obstetricians, radiologists and sonographers-how much screening could be accomplished within the available resources. With the help of prenatal diagnostic technique guideline we will be able to achieve a methodical, uniform and cost-effective way of fetal evaluation.