Prenatal ultrasound too often fails to detect congenital heart defects
Although almost all expectant mothers in Germany undergo prenatal screening for organic malformations, there is a greater than average likelihood of congenital heart defects remaining undetected. This is the finding of the nationwide PAN study, which recorded the prevalence of congenital heart defects in newborns in Germany from 2006 to 2009.
In the case of certain heart defects, delayed diagnosis may result in irreparable damage to the brain and kidneys. “That is why prenatal diagnosis of moderate and severe heart defects is enormously important for the health of the child and for planning corrective surgery,” says Professor Dr. Hashim Abdul-Khaliq, spokesman for the Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects. “Early detection of a heart defect has a decisive influence on the outcome of the surgery and the long-term progression of the condition.”
Heart defects more common in multiple births
Heart defects are the most common congenital conditions occurring in infants. Approximately one child in every hundred is born with a heart defect – according to the PAN study, the exact prevalence is 1.08 per cent. By comparison with national averages, the affected neonates were more often premature (18.7% compared to 9.1%); more frequently weighed less than 2,500 grams (17.5% compared to 6.8%); and were more commonly associated with multiple births (6.2% compared to 3.3%). Owing to the high standards of care now available, these children have a good chance of survival. 90 per cent generally live to adulthood.
Experts call for early detection programme
Professor Dr. Felix Berger, President of the German Society for Paediatric Cardiology (DGPK), believes “current shortcomings in the prenatal diagnosis of heart defects could be eliminated by simple measures.” To this end, he advocates a standardised national early detection programme for congenital heart defects and uniform vocational training for prenatal diagnosticians. He is also convinced a standardised post-natal screening programme would result in improved diagnosis and treatment.
A. Lindinger, G. Schwedler and H.W. Hense. Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects in Newborns in Germany: Results of the First Registration Year of the PAN Study (July 2006 to June 2007). Published in “Klinische Pädiatrie” [“Clinical Paediatrics”], Issue 05, Volume 222, September 2010
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Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects
The Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects conducts research into pathomechanisms, new treatment options and the current state of healthcare for children, adolescents and adults in Germany suffering from congenital heart defects. Doctors, scientists, parents’ associations and self-help groups work together in the network to ensure a swift two-way transfer of new research findings between the research community and the healthcare sector. The network has been awarded funding for nine years from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under its programme entitled “Health Research: Scientific Research for the People”, through which the Ministry hopes to strengthen scientific cooperation across structural boundaries. Its patron is Friede Springer.
