Routine second-trimester ultrasonography in the United States: a cost-benefit analysis

Article Abstract:

Giving all pregnant women in the US an ultrasound scan during their second trimester would only be cost-effective if it was done at a tertiary level hospital. If not, such a program would actually cost money rather than saving money.

Medical examination, Pregnant women, Medical screening, Health screening, Prenatal care

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An economic evaluation of second-trimester genetic ultrasonography for prenatal detection of Down Syndrome

Article Abstract:

An economic model predicts that second-trimester genetic ultrasonography is cost-effective for diagnosing Down syndrome only if the test detects at least 74 of every 100 fetuses with the chromosomal defect. Ultrasound diagnosis, along with other demographic and biochemical markers, can accurately indicate Down syndrome. Researchers reviewed seven studies of genetic ultrasonography and compared the costs of diagnosis with the costs of raising a mentally retarded child with Down syndrome. Local data on disease prevalence and diagnostic ultrasound sensitivity could be used with this model for cost-benefit analyses.

Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Down syndrome, Diagnosis, Ultrasonic, Diagnostic ultrasonography, Prenatal ultrasonography, Ultrasonics in obstetrics

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Cost-benefit analysis of targeted ultrasonography for prenatal detection of spina bifida in patients with an elevated concentration of second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein

Article Abstract:

Ultrasound scans appear to be more cost-effective than amniocentesis for detecting spina bifida in pregnant women with elevated blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Spina bifida occurs when the fetal spinal column does not close completely, leaving the spinal cord exposed. Elevated blood levels of AFP indicate some kind of spinal column defect, and many women were offered amniocentesis and genetic testing of amniotic fluid. When specific signs on an ultrasound scan were found to be very accurate in diagnosing spina bifida, ultrasound scans were recommended. Cost-benefit analysis reveals ultrasound scans could save $36 million to $49 million and prevent 268 fetal deaths per year.

Reports, Ultrasound imaging, Cost benefit analysis, Spina bifida

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