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P128Impact of patient initiated three‐dimensional ultrasound examination
Author(s) -
Pretorius D. H.,
Hull A. D.,
Newton R.,
Nelson T. R.,
James G.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00004-1-127.x
Subject(s) - medicine , fetus , obstetrics , ultrasound , infertility , abortion , pregnancy , radiology , genetics , biology
Background News media and the internet have a significant impact on raising patient awareness of new care. Visualization of the fetal face made possible by 3‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) is one such area that has encouraged many pregnant patients to initiate requests for these studies. The purpose of this project was to identify indications, reactions and benefits for these studies. Method 3DUS examinations were performed on 35 consecutive patients requesting studies from our service. We require a physician to order the 3DUS exam in conjunction with conventional 2DUS. Patients had a targeted 3DUS to the area of interest as well as the fetal face. Comments by the parents were recorded at the time of the study and after delivery. Results Medical indications for 3DUS studies were: patient reassurance (19), patients with prior anomalies (8), hospice patients carrying fetuses with fatal anomalies (2), patient with family history of anomaly (1), infertility (1), patient carrying a fetus with abnormal karyotype (1). Although most parents found the 3DUS to be a positive, reassuring experience (28), (7) found it to be extremely beneficial (previous children with anomalies or demise, fetuses with fatal anomalies, and infertile couples). Conclusion Patient initiated 3DUS studies had a positive impact and reassured all families and were extremely beneficial to 6/35 families.