Relationship of non-visualization of the fetal gallbladder and amniotic fluid digestive enzymes analysis to outcome.

Objective: The aims of this study were evaluate the significance of non-visualization of fetal gallbladder at routine ultrasound scan in a series of 102 cases and to determine the contribution of amniotic fluid digestive enzyme (AF-DE) analysis towards the outcome.

Method: This is a multicenter retrospective study. Outcome of pregnancies, karyotype, and result of screening for CFTR gene mutations were known in all cases.

[Linear insertion of atrioventricular valves (Livav): echocardiographic diagnosis, reliability and prevalence in the general population].

Objectives: Assess the reliability of prenatal diagnosis of linear insertion of atrioventricular valves (Livav) by echocardiography as well as estimate Livav's prevalence in a population without Down syndrome.

Patients: One hundred and twenty-three fetuses of whom 113 were explored before and after birth and 631 consecutive out-patients explored in cardiopediatric unit.

Methods: Determination of the likehood ratio (LHR+ and LHR-) of Livav prenatal diagnosis.

Fetal tachycardia: a role for amiodarone as first- or second-line therapy?

Background: Fetal tachycardias result in serious prenatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Intrauterine treatment can improve prognosis dramatically and the therapeutic protocol is well defined. Currently, amiodarone is used as third-line therapy and is reserved for refractory cases.

Influence of ultrasonographers training on prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases: a 12-year population-based study.

Objective: Since 1998, French multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis centers (CPDPN) offer a training opportunity to first-level screening sonographers. This study measures the impact of this training on prenatal detection rates of congenital heart diseases (CHDs).

Methods: We analyzed the sensitivity of screening sonographers by comparing CHD prenatal diagnoses and CHDs observed after birth in the area of Angers from 1994 to 2006.