Prenatally diagnosed fetal conditions in the age of fetal care: does who counsels matter?

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012 May;206(5):409.e1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.01.026. Epub 2012 Feb 14.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to characterize practices and attitudes of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and fetal care pediatric (FCP) specialists regarding fetal abnormalities.

Study design: This was a self-administered survey of 434 MFMs and FCPs (response rate: MFM 60.9%; FCP 54.2%).

Results: For Down syndrome (DS), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), spina bifida: MFMs were more likely than FCPs to support termination (DS 52% vs 35%, P < .001; CDH 49% vs 36%, P < .001; spina bifida 54% vs 35%, P < .001), and consider offering termination options as highly important (DS 90% vs 70%, P < .001; CDH 88% vs 69%, P < .001; spina bifida 88% vs 70%, P < .001). For DS only, MFMs were less likely than FCPs to think that pediatric specialist consultation should be offered prior to a decision regarding termination (54% vs 75%, P < .001). MFMs reported report higher termination rates among patients only for DS (DS 51% vs 21%, P < .001).

Conclusion: MFM and FCP specialists' counseling attitudes differ for fetal abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Eugenic* / statistics & numerical data
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnosis*
  • Directive Counseling*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Maternal Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pediatrics
  • Physicians / psychology*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires