Work

Impact of a Standardised Fetal Cardiac Screening Programme on Antenatal Detection Rates of Transposition of the Great Arteries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Dextro‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) can be difficult to diagnose antenatally. Standardised cardiac screening protocols may improve detection rates. Aims The objective of this study was to examine rates of antenatal diagnosis of d‐TGA in regional and metropolitan Brisbane over a 10‐year period and assess if a targeted antenatal screening education programme had an impact on detection rates. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data were collected for infants diagnosed with d‐TGA in Queensland between January 2008 and December 2017. Infants were divided into two cohorts to assess antenatal detection rates in both regional and metropolitan areas Queensland pre‐ and post implementation of a targeted sonographer education programme between 2008 and 2011. Results A total of 126 infants were identified with a diagnosis of d‐TGA. The overall antenatal detection rate was 63.5% across the 10‐year study period. Prior to the educational intervention, the detection rate was 51% (2008–2011 n = 23/45), which increased significantly to 70% post educational intervention (2012–2017, n = 57/81) (p = 0.035). Regional Queensland (n = 60) detection rates increased from 44% to 63% (p = 0.192) and metropolitan (n = 66) detection rates increased from 60% to 76% (p = 0.24) post educational intervention. Conclusions Rates of antenatal diagnosis of d‐TGA in Queensland compare favourably with internationally published rates, although difficulty in consistently diagnosing this congenital heart defect remains. A targeted educational programme of sonographers performing antenatal screening, particularly in regional areas, appears to increase rates of prenatal diagnosis and improve outcomes.

Source: Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/ajum.70004