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Antenatal Diagnosis of Surgically Correctable Anomalies: Effects of Repeated Consultations on Parental Anxiety

Journal of Perinatology volume 23, pages 652–654 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether or not a correlation exists between antenatal consultations and parental anxiety.

STUDY DESIGN: In total, 31 couples undergoing prenatal consultation after a diagnosis of a surgically correctable anomaly were asked to fill in a questionnaire (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) measuring anxiety levels (AL) both after the first consultation and at birth. Prenatal counselling was done by a perinatal team including paediatric surgeon, obstetrician, and psychologist.

RESULTS: Malformations were: eight diaphragmatic hernias, 10 intestinal atresias, four abdominal masses, nine abdominal wall defects. Each fetus was subsequently followed up at regular intervals from diagnosis to birth. AL at birth were then compared with the number of antenatal consultations. A negative correlation (r=−0.688, p<0.001) was found between the number of consultations and the level of anxiety at birth. Patients having at least two consultations had significantly lower anxiety levels at birth.

CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the type of malformation, there is evidence that having more than one antenatal consultation may significantly reduce AL at birth. Therefore, early antenatal diagnosis should be encouraged in order to increase as much as possible chances of repeated consultations for the prospective parents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Newborn Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy

    L Aite (Psychologist), A Trucchi MD, A Nahom MD, A Zaccara MD, E La Sala MS & P Bagolan MD

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  1. L Aite
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  2. A Trucchi MD
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  3. A Nahom MD
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  4. A Zaccara MD
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  5. E La Sala MS
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  6. P Bagolan MD
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Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Section of Perinatal Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exihibition, Boston, MA, October 2002.

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Aite, L., Trucchi, A., Nahom, A. et al. Antenatal Diagnosis of Surgically Correctable Anomalies: Effects of Repeated Consultations on Parental Anxiety. J Perinatol 23, 652–654 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7210992

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