{"id":45970,"date":"2014-08-04T09:36:54","date_gmt":"2014-08-04T09:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=0bac596d43394fb7d818824313b41a39"},"modified":"2014-08-04T09:36:54","modified_gmt":"2014-08-04T09:36:54","slug":"press-release-earlier-screening-for-serious-abnormalities-in-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=45970","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Earlier screening for serious abnormalities in pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC<\/abbr>) has recommended earlier screening during pregnancy to test babies for Edward\u2019s Syndrome and Patau\u2019s Syndrome.<\/p>\n

The conditions, also known as Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13, are rare but very serious chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities which affect about 2 out of every 10,000 births in the UK each year. Most babies affected by these conditions will die before or shortly after birth.<\/p>\n

Dr Anne Mackie, Director of Programmes for the UK NSC<\/abbr>, which is supported by Public Health England, said:<\/p>\n

\n

Over 700,000 women get pregnant in the UK every year, and although 95% of these pregnancies will be perfectly healthy, sadly in a few cases, there are problems affecting the baby\u2019s development. This recommendation would give women access to support and enable them to make important choices at an earlier stage of their pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Edward\u2019s Syndrome and Patau\u2019s Syndrome can be detected through a scan which is currently offered to all women between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy in England as part of the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme. However, earlier testing combining a blood test and scan during the woman\u2019s first trimester of pregnancy can identify whether the woman has an increased risk of having a baby with one of these conditions. <\/p>\n

Through the screening programme, parents can access specialist support before their baby is born and discuss their options leading to appropriate care if it is needed. <\/p>\n

The recommendation was made at the UK NSC<\/abbr> committee meeting in June 2014, the minutes of which are published today. Also at the meeting the UK NSC<\/abbr> considered national screening for atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes and parvovirus B19 infection, but based on the best available evidence decided against a screening programme for all 3 conditions.<\/p>\n

Atrial fibrillation<\/h3>\n

Atrial fibrillation (AF<\/abbr>) is an erratic heartbeat which is generally not life threatening but may be a risk factor for other conditions such as stroke. Screening for AF<\/abbr> for over 65 year olds is not recommended as it is not clear that screening would benefit those identified. The evidence review highlighted issues with the available test and the treatment (drugs to thin the blood). The treatment is complicated and further work needs to be done to improve its application in order for people to benefit fully.<\/p>\n

Type 2 diabetes<\/h3>\n

The UK NSC<\/abbr> decision not to screen for type 2 diabetes was based on evidence that shows that population screening for this condition is not effective in improving the overall health for those identified as at risk. <\/p>\n

Parvovirus B19 infection<\/h3>\n

The UK NSC<\/abbr> reviewed the screening policy for susceptibility to parvovirus B19 infection in pregnant women for the first time. There are currently no interventions, such as a vaccine, to prevent adults from being infected, or prevention methods to stop the baby being passed the infection if the mother is infected. Therefore the UK NSC<\/abbr> recommended against routine screening for susceptibility to the infection.<\/p>\n

The UK NSC<\/abbr> will review these recommendations again in 3 years as part of its regular evidence review process or earlier if significant new evidence becomes available. <\/p>\n

Notes to editors<\/h2>\n