The relationship between utilization of prenatal care and Down syndrome live births

Authors: Morris, Bruce; Egan, James; Fang, Yu Ming Victor; Campbell, Winston

Source: Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Volume 20, Number 4, 2007 , pp. 307-311(5)

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Abstract:

Objective. This study evaluated whether utilization of prenatal care, as measured by the Kessner index, affects the number of Down syndrome live births. Methods. A retrospective analysis of birth certificate data of Down syndrome live births comparing 1989 to 2001 by year, maternal age, gestational age at first prenatal visit, and adequacy of prenatal care according to Kessner categories of adequacy of prenatal care. Results. Down syndrome live births were inversely correlated with adequacy of prenatal care. Reductions in Down syndrome live births were seen in all categories of prenatal care in all age groups. In 2001 a minimum 30% reduction was seen in any category rising to a 58% reduction in women ≥35 years with adequate prenatal care. The largest reductions were seen in women ≥35 years of age. Conclusions. Reductions in Down syndrome live births occurred in all age groups between 1989 and 2001. Utilization of prenatal care as measured by the Kessner index was associated with reductions in Down syndrome live births, with a greater reduction in women ≥35 years of age.

Keywords: Prenatal care; Kessner index; Down syndrome live births

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14767050601152936

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA

Publication date: 2007-01-01

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