Originally published November 10 2005
New non-invasive screening method for Down syndrome proves effective
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Mary E. D'Alton, M.D.Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia, led research that demonstrated the accuracy of a new non-invasive screening for early detection of Down syndrome.
She is Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia.
"Down syndrome screenings based on either maternal age alone, or an ultrasound or sonogram alone, are no longer justified protocols."
Published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine (Nov. 10, 2005 issue), the study is known as the FASTER trial (First and Second Trimester Evaluation of Risk).
It was funded by a $13 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development -- one of the largest ever grants for an obstetrical study.
The new screening approach uses a blood test that analyzes the level of a protein and hormone in the mother's blood, combined with an ultrasound or sonogram picture of the thickness of skin on the back of the baby's neck (known as the nuchal translucency or NT).
This combination approach determines the odds that the baby might have Down syndrome, allowing pregnant women the option of prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities within the first trimester or pregnancy.
The researchers found higher detection -- 87 percent -- in the first trimester compared to the best second trimester screening method -- 81 percent detection.
Persons with this condition have distinct physical features and commonly have certain birth defects and medical problems.
For this reason, most pregnant women undergo testing to determine their potential to have a baby with this syndrome.
Dr. D'Alton and other experts working with the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine have recently formed the Maternal Fetal Medicine Foundation to facilitate physician training and quality review for the screening.
So far 1,600 physicians and sonographers nationwide have undergone training, and more are scheduled.
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