Should all cases of suspected fetal cardiac anomaly be referred to a specialist fetal cardiac service?. (7th June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Linter, K; Marsh, J; Bu'Lock, F; Mousa, H
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 96(2011)Supplement 1
• Page Start: Fa70
• Page End: Fa70
• Publication Date: 2011-06-07
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2011.300161.56
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Prognosis for babies with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease varies widely according to precise cardiac diagnosis. There is a perception nationally that not all parents of babies with a prenatally diagnosed heart condition are referred to a fetal cardiologist. The impact of non-specialist counselling that parents receive to make decisions regarding their pregnancy is unknown. Objectives: To examine concordance between suspected fetal cardiac defects precipitating referral to our Fetal Cardiac Service with the findings of the detailed specialist fetal echocardiogram. Methods: Retrospective review of referrals to our tertiary fetal cardiac clinic between 2006 and 2008. Results: In 63 of the 163 referrals for suspected structural heart disease (mean gestational age 22 weeks) the suspected cardiac diagnosis was detailed in the referral. In those with a detailed referral diagnosis good correlation was observed in 68%, but there was a significant discrepancy in diagnosis in 21 cases (32%). Conclusion: We recommend in line with National Guidelines that all suspected fetal cardiac anomalies are referred promptly to a Specialist Fetal Cardiologist to avoid this worryingly high discrepancy in findings. Further work is required to evaluate the implication of counselling by non-specialist as compared to cardiology specialist on parents decisions.