Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2015 Nov;58(6):446-452. 10.5468/ogs.2015.58.6.446.

The practice patterns of second trimester fetal ultrasonography: A questionnaire survey and an analysis of checklists

• Park HS
• Seong WJ
• Hong JS
• Seol HJ
• Hwang HS
• Kim K
• Ko HS
• Kwak DW
• Oh SY
• Kim MY
• Kim SJ
• Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Group

• KMID: 2314059
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2015.58.6.446

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To analyze practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, and to investigate management plans when soft markers are detected among Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSUOG) members.
METHODS
An internet-based self-administered questionnaire survey was designed. KSUOG members were invited to the survey. Checklists of the second trimester ultrasonography were also requested. In the questionnaire survey, general practice patterns of the second trimester ultrasonography and management schemes of soft markers were asked. In the checklists analysis, the number of items were counted and also compared with those recommended by other medical societies.
RESULTS
A total of 101 members responded. Eighty-seven percent routinely recommended second trimester fetal anatomic surveillance. Most (91.1%) performed it between 20+0 and 23+6 weeks of gestation. Written informed consents were given by 15.8% of respondents. Nearly 60% recommended genetic counseling when multiple soft markers and/or advanced maternal age were found. Similar tendencies were found in the managements of individual soft markers. However, practice patterns were very diverse and sometimes conflicting. Forty-eight checklists were analyzed in context with the number and content of the items. The median item number was 46.5 (range, 17 to 109). Of 49 items of checklists recommended by International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and/or American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 14 items (28.6%) were found in less than 50% of the checklists analyzed in this study.
CONCLUSION
Although general practice patterns were similar among KSUOG members, some of which were conflicting, and there is a need for standardization of the practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, which also have very wide range of spectrum.

Keyword

Checklist; Genetic counseling; Pregnancy trimester, second; Soft markers; Ultrasonography, prenatal

MeSH Terms

Checklist*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Female
General Practice
Genetic Counseling
Gynecology
Humans
Maternal Age
Obstetrics
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, Second*
Societies, Medical
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography, Prenatal*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The most important soft markers that lead the clinicians to offer invasive test for karyotyping. Each respondent chose three in the list.

• 

  Fig. 2 Number of items in the checklists according to the hospital setting.

Reference

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