Ultrasonographic evaluation of breech presentation as a risk factor for hip dysplasia

In order to gain more information of breech position as a risk factor for congenital hip dysplasia or dislocation, the hips of 408 newborns delivered in the breech position were examined by ultrasound. Clinical examination was performed by both experienced paediatricians and orthopaedic surgeons. The infants were re-examined by ultrasound at 2–3 months of age. Twenty-five newborns (6.1%) had neonatal hip instability. Breech presentation as a risk factor was confirmed, with first borns, breech position with extended knees, and high birthweight as special high-risk groups. Ultrasound showed subluxation in most of the unstable hips. The main benefit of using ultrasound was that direct visualization permitted more reliable evaluation, especially when the clinical findings were uncertain. Normal ultrasound findings in false positive and uncertain Ortolani tests reduced the frequency of unnecessary treatment. Because ultrasound was used in follow-up, the need of radiography was reduced. There were no late-detected cases of hip dysplasia or dislocation, indicating that routine follow-up is not necessary in breech infants with normal hips at birth, provided that the neonatal screening is optimal.     

Selective ultrasound screening for developmental hip dysplasia: effect on management and late detected cases. A prospective survey during 1991–2006

Background

Early treatment is considered essential for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), but the choice of screening strategy is debated.

Objective

We evaluated the effect of a selective ultrasound (US) screening programme.

Materials and methods

All infants born in a defined region during 1991–2006 with increased risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip, i.e. clinical hip instability, breech presentation, congenital foot deformities or a family history of DDH, underwent US screening at age 1–3 days. Severe sonographic dysplasia and dislocatable/dislocated hips were treated with abduction splints. Mild dysplasia and pathological instability, i.e. not dislocatable/dislocated hips were followed clinically and sonographically until spontaneous resolution, or until treatment became necessary. The minimum observation period was 5.5 years.

Results

Of 81,564 newborns, 11,539 (14.1%) were identified as at-risk, of whom 11,190 (58% girls) were included for further analyses. Of the 81,564 infants, 2,433 (3.0%) received early treatment; 1,882 (2.3%) from birth and 551 (0.7%) after 6 weeks or more of clinical and sonographic surveillance. An additional 2,700 (3.3%) normalised spontaneously after watchful waiting from birth. Twenty-six infants (0.32 per 1,000, 92% girls, two from the risk group) presented with late subluxated/dislocated hips (after 1 month of age). An additional 126 (1.5 per 1,000, 83% girls, one from the risk group) were treated after isolated late residual dysplasia. Thirty-one children (0.38 per 1,000) had surgical treatment before age 5 years. Avascular necrosis was diagnosed in seven of all children treated (0.27%), four after early and three after late treatment.

Conclusion

The first 16 years of a standardised selective US screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip resulted in acceptable rates of early treatment and US follow-ups and low rates of late subluxated/dislocated hips compared to similar studies.     

Auditing hip ultrasound screening of infants at increased risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Clinical examination, while useful, has been shown to be insufficient as the sole screening method in infants. Ultrasound examination at 8 weeks in high risk infants is an integral part of the screening process in some units. AIMS: To show the efficiency of hip sonography in detection of developmental dysplasia of the hips in those without clinically dislocated hips. METHODS: All infants born at the National Maternity Hospital between January 1994 and December 2001 were included. All those with clinically dislocated hips were treated by a Pavlik harness and referred for follow up to a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. An 8 week hip ultrasound scan was performed for those infants with stable hips on examination but who met the following criteria: (1) a first degree relative with congenital dislocation of hips; (2) breech presentation at birth; and (3) a persistent "click" at birth in an otherwise stable hip. RESULTS: During the period of study a total of 52 893 infants were born in the National Maternity Hospital. Based on the criteria above, 5485 hip ultrasound scans were performed. Of those scanned, 18 (0.33%) were found to have dislocated hips and 153 (2.78%) to have dysplasic hips. The 18 infants with dislocation were treated with Pavlik harness; the remaining 153 were followed up by serial ultrasound examinations but did not require active intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Among the population of infants at increased risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip, the hip screening programme identified 18 cases among 5485 infants; a rate of 3.2 per 1000. Hip sonography is therefore worthwhile.     

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: a new approach to incidence

OBJECTIVE: The controversy over the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) stems mainly from an ambiguity of criteria for defining a genuinely pathologic neonatal hip. In this study, we evaluate an algorithm we devised for the treatment of DDH, for its ability to identify those neonatal hips which, if left untreated, would develop any kind of dysplasia and, therefore, are to be included in the determination of DDH incidence. METHODS: Clinical and ultrasonographic examinations for DDH were performed on 18 060 consecutive neonatal hips at 1 to 3 days of life. Newborns with skeletal deformities, neurologic/muscular disorders, and neural tube defects were excluded. Hips that featured any type of sonographic pathology were reexamined at 2 or 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the findings. Only hips in which the initial pathology was not improved or had deteriorated were treated; all others were examined periodically until the age of 12 months. RESULTS: Sonographic screening of 18 060 hips detected 1001 instances of deviation from normal, indicating a sonographic DDH incidence of 55.1 per 1000. However, only 90 hips remained abnormal and required treatment, indicating a true DDH incidence of 5 per 1000 hips. All the others evolved into normal hips, and no additional instances of DDH were found on follow-up throughout the 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of our protocol enables us to distinguish two categories of neonatal hip pathology: one that eventually develops into a normal hip (essentially sonographic DDH); and another that will deteriorate into a hip with some kind of dysplasia, including full dislocation (true DDH). This approach seems to allow for a better-founded definition of DDH, for an appropriate determination of its incidence, for decision-making regarding treatment, and for assessment of the cost-effectiveness of screening programs for the early detection of DDH.     

Congenital dislocation of the hip: early and late diagnosis and management compared.

During the decade 1970-9, 23 002 infants born in the University of Bristol Department of Obstetrics were examined for congenital dislocation of the hip by junior members of the paediatric staff on the first day of life and again on discharge from hospital. Suspected hip abnormality was checked by a senior member of the staff on the same day. A total of 445 (1.9%) infants were found to have a hip abnormality in the neonatal period. Immediate treatment in an abduction splint was undertaken, usually six weeks for dislocatable hips and 12 weeks for dislocated hips. Routine follow up included clinical and radiological examination at six, 12, 24, and 60 months. Altogether 90% completed the 12 month, 85% the 24 month, and 76% the 60 month checks. Five infants (1.1%) required further orthopaedic treatment (adductor tenotomy and abduction splinting) but no major surgery was necessary, nor was avascular necrosis encountered. The radiological results were excellent. Every effort (1970-84) was also made to identify all cases of late congenital dislocation of the hip diagnosed after the neonatal period in infants born to women in Avon during the same decade (n = 103 431). Ninety one cases were detected (0.88 per 1000 births), 10 in the university cohort (0.44 per 1000) and 81 in the non-university group (1.00 per 1000) (P less than 0.01). Seven of 10 in the former group required open surgery and in seven the radiological outcome at follow up was moderate or poor. The early and late diagnosed groups are compared in respect of perinatal factors and management. It is possible to detect most cases of congenital dislocation of the hip at birth and treat them safely and successfully.     

Congenital dislocation of the hip: a prospective study comparing ultrasound and clinical examination

Screening for congenital dislocation of the hip by standard clinical methods and ultrasound was compared prospectively in 1503 newborns (1291 girls and 212 boys). A total of 82.8% of the hips (78.8% of the infants) had well developed acetabulae, 14.5% (17.2% of the infants) were shallow (immature) and 2.7% (4.1% of the infants) were dysplastic. Within 1-3 months 96.7% of the infants with clinically stable, but immature hips normalized, while 3.3% did not improve or worsened, and therapy was therefore initiated. Indications for treatment included dysplastic and/or clinically unstable hips, and a higher number of newborns were treated during the study period than in 1982-85 (31.2 vs 19.7 per 1000, p = 0.0002). Thirty-seven percent of the patients had both clinical and ultrasound findings compatible with congenital dislocation of the hip, while the decision to treat was based on clinical findings alone in 25.0% and on ultrasound findings in 38.0%. Infants born during the study period of nine months had a low incidence of late congenital dislocation of the hip compared with our earlier reported results from 1982-85 (0.9 vs 3.5 per 1000, p = 0.012). The study demonstrated major discrepancies between clinical and ultrasound evaluation of hips in the newborn, and the role of ultrasound in the screening for congenital dislocation of the hip requires further evaluation.     

The diagnosis and management of congenital dislocation of the hip

Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common condition that encompasses a spectrum of pathology affecting the neonatal hip. Clinical signs of instability may be difficult to detect at birth using the Barlow Ortolani test. A clear imperative is to make an early diagnosis since delay after 3 months is synonymous with the necessity for surgery and also leads to a compromised prognosis. There is considerable controversy about clinical screening for DDH or ultrasound screening, either comprehensive or selective. Risk factors – such as breech presentation, oligohydramnios and talipes – are well known and there is some evidence that selective screening for these babies with ultrasound may assist diagnosis. The incidence of neonatal hip instability is around 15–20 per 1000 live births but that of established dislocation 1–2 per 1000 live births in unscreened cohorts. The usual early treatment is with the Pavlik harness but after 3 months, surgery – either an open or closed reduction – is necessary and in some surgically untreated children, secondary procedures such as pelvic osteotomy are necessary.     

Management of neonatal hip instability and dysplasia

The diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hip instability and dysplasia is controversial. Different countries have different algorithms and guidelines on which hips should be screened or treated. German speaking countries have introduced universal ultra sound hip screening programmes resulting in relatively high splintage rates in certain centres. Some Scandinavian centres have organised selective screening programmes with serial ultrasound observation of hip instabilities, leading to comparatively low splintage rates. Though most experts would treat clinical hip instability (confirmed by ultrasound evaluation), the natural history and epidemiology of dysplasia is less well understood. The treatment regimes for neonatal dysplasia are varied with wide differences in the rates of splintage. 'Late' dislocation may be secondary to prenatal dislocation (teratogenic), neonatal hip instability or to persistent major dysplasia of the hip. The term 'missed' dislocation should not be used as this suggests negligence on the part of the examiner, when this may not be the case. Which splint to use (rigid or dynamic), at what age, and for how long, are questions currently unresolved as no proper controlled trials have been undertaken. However, a sensible treatment algorithm can be advocated. Complications secondary to splintage are rare, though nerve damage, avascular necrosis of the hip, redislocation and skin problems have been described.     

Fr��herkennung der H��ftdysplasie

Background

Ultrasound screening is more sensitive for developmental dysplasia of the hip than clinical examination, but we do not know which form of ultrasound screening is the best.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of ultrasonographic findings of an universal ultrasound screening in the first week of life between January 2006 and June 2009 to calculate the sensitivity and the specificity of the risk factors gathered by the German two-part general ultrasound screening. Ultrasound examination and classification was done according to the method of Graf.

Results

During the period of study a total of 5,100 hips were screened. Graf??s type I was seen in 4,290 hips (despite positive risk factors in 881 hips), corresponding to a prevalence of 84.1%. Graf??s type IIa was seen in 736 hips (despite positive risk factors in 221 hips), corresponding to a prevalence of 14.4%. Graf??s type IIc stable/instable was seen in 16 hips (despite a lack of risk factors in 13 hips), corresponding to a prevalence of 0.3%. Graf??s type D was found in 37 hips, 18 of which exhibited no risk factors, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.7%. Graf??s type III was diagnosed in 20 hips (despite a lack of risk factors in 8 hips, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.4%). One hip without any risk factors was screened as Graf??s type IV corresponding to a prevalence of 0.02%. Thus, the specificity of the risk factors gathered by the two-part screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Germany is 78.1% and the sensitivity 48.6%.

Conclusion

In 78.1% it is possible to detect a healthy hip as such in the third check-up for children between the fourth and sixth week of life with the German two-part ultrasound screening programme. However, only 48.6% of dysplastic or dislocated hips can be detected in the first week of life with this screening programme. Thus, less than 50% of dysplastic or dislocated hips will be treated as early as possible. Thus, every newborn should have an ultrasound screening of the hip during the first week of life independently of symptoms and history.     

A national survey of screening for congenital dislocation of the hip.

OBJECTIVE: To identify current screening and management practices for congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), and determine the extent to which ultrasound imaging of the hips is practised throughout the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. METHODS: Postal questionnaire to paediatricians responsible for the routine neonatal care of infants in all maternity units in the UK and the Irish Republic. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned for 254 maternity units (92% response rate). By 1994, 69% of maternity units had access to ultrasound imaging of the hips, compared to 14% in 1984. Ultrasound imaging of the hip was not used for universal primary screening, but in 93% of units was undertaken for further assessment of infants with clinically detected hip instability or those identified as being at high risk of CDH, or both. Clinical screening of newborn infants was performed by junior paediatricians, but training with a ''Baby Hippy'' hip simulator model was provided in only 37% of units. Treatment of clinically detected hip instability, initiated by an orthopaedic surgeon in 93% of units, varied widely in type and duration. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging of the hip is increasingly used in the UK for secondary, rather than primary, screening. Current recommendations are implemented to a variable extent nationally, and the existing wide variation in screening and management for CDH reflects a lack of research evidence to support current screening practices. The effectiveness of screening for CDH needs to be established.     

Ultrasound hip joint screening in newborn infants. Correlation of anamnestic risk factors and hip dysplasia]

BACKGROUND: Congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is the most frequent inborn deformity of the locomotor apparatus. Hereditary, pelvic respectively breech presentation or abdominal delivery, premature as well as post-term birth and twin pregnancy are considered to be anamnestic risk factors for congenital dysplasia of the hip. The results of ultrasound hip screening from July 87 until December 94 are presented with special regard to the correlation of these risk factors and the occurrence of pathologic hips. PATIENTS: 19 different orthopaedic surgeons examined the hips of 3739 newborns (female: 1837-49.1%; male: 1902-50.9%) by ultrasound (screening). 96% of the examinations were performed within a period of 5 days after birth, in a few cases the babies were up to 19 days old. METHOD: The ultrasound examinations, the assessment of the echograms and classification into types of hip were performed according to Graf's technique. Two types of ultrasonographs were used: SL-1, Siemens--5 MHz scanner; LSC 7500, Picker--7.5 MHz scanner). All investigations were assessed retrospectively over the period of time with the help of documentation forms (data of newborn baby, case history, clinical and sonographical findings, kind of therapy and procedure) and statistically checked (program SPSS 7.5, Chi-Quadrate-Test, logistic regression). RESULTS: In 239 children (6.4%) we found hips required therapy respectively control investigations (type IIa, alpha < 55 degrees or worse; Graf's classification). For the entire group we achieved the following types of hips (right/left side): Ia--214 (5.7%)/224 (6.0%); Ib--2069 (55.3%)/2008 (53.7%); IIa (> or = 55 degrees)--1318 (35.3%)/1322 (35.4%); IIa (< 55 degrees)--65 (1.7%)/74 (2.0%); IIc--45 (1.2%)/71 (1.9%); D--18 (0.5%)/30 (0.8%); IIIa--8 (0.2%)/7 (0.2%); IIIb--1 (< 0.1%)/2 (0.1%); IV--1 (< 0.1%)/1 (< 0.1%). With regard to the risk factors the distribution was as follows: hereditary--302 babies (8.1%), pelvic respectively breech presentation--149 (4%), abdominal delivery--359 (6.5%), premature birth--188 (5.0%), post-term birth--164 (4.4%), twin pregnancy--73 (2%). CONCLUSIONS: In newborn babies with cases of hip dysplasia in their family (heredity) and pelvic respectively breech presentation at birth we found a significant higher rate (p < 0.05) of hips required therapy respectively control investigations (type IIa, alpha < 55 degrees or worse; Graf's classification). Also, for girls and the left hip a significant higher rate was achieved. A correlation of the other mentioned risk factors abdominal delivery, premature and post-term birth as well as twin pregnancy was not evident.     

Ultrasound in the early diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the hip: The significance of hip stability versus acetabular morphology

Recent studies have suggested that ultrasound examinations may improve diagnostic accuracy in congenital dislocation of the hip, but there is differing opinion whether ultrasound diagnosis should be based on morphology or stability. Ultrasound was added to the routine clinical screening in 1503 newborns (1291 girls and 212 boys). Hip morphology was classified according to Graf (type 1–4), while sonographic stability was based on a modified Barlow maneuvre, and classified as stable, elastic deflection (normal finding), unstable (provocating a gap between the femoral head and the acetabulum) and dislocated. Among 80 morphologically dysplastic hips, 73 (91%) were sonographically unstable or dislocated, while seven dysplastic hips were stable. On the other hand, in 49% of the sonographic unstable hips (69 out of 142) the acetabulum was either normal or just physiologically immature. 38 of these hips were left untreated and normalized spontaneously. There was a close correlation between sonographically and clinically determined hip stability (gamma = 0.95). Our study shows that the majority of morphologically dysplastic hips is sonographically unstable or dislocated, but also that morphologically dysplastic hips may be stable. Morphologically normal hips showing minor sonographic instability do probably not require treatment, and thus morphology seems to be an important diagnostic criterion.     

Hip dislocation. Organization of screening and follow-up]

Early detection and low-risk treatment are the two main objectives of the management of developmental dislocation of the hip. The best way to evaluate neonatal hips is to perform clinical and ultrasound examinations at the same time, and to confront their results. Early diagnosis allows to restrict treatment to infants with neonatal dislocation who do not improve by 4 weeks of age. On the other hand, neonates with reductible dislocated hips must be treated at birth and followed at the joint consultation. Early diagnosis and management must not decrease later efforts to detect dislocated hip until walking age.     

Successful screening for neonatal hip instability in Australia

OBJECTIVE: Australian screening programmes for congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) are characterized by lower neonatal hip instability (NHI) detection rates than more successful international programmes. Through creating a quality, accountable clinical screening programme for NHI detection, the present study aimed to establish the true incidence of NHI in Australian babies and to eliminate 'late diagnosed' CDH. METHODS: Doctors responsible for routine neonatal care were made accountable for NHI detection and examined 5166 consecutive live births in the first days of life between 1989 and 2000. Techniques for clinical NHI detection were taught, and doctors practised with teaching-mannequins. Paediatricians clinically determined true positive NHI cases and managed them for a 12-month period. Peer review of NHI detection rates was introduced to encourage accountability. Surveillance for 'late diagnosed' CDH occurred regularly through a variety of methods. RESULTS: One hundred babies with NHI were detected (19.4 per 1000): 77% were female; 26% were breech presentation, 25% had a family history of hip instability; and all received some form of splinting. Follow up for 85% of these babies at 12 months revealed no significant complications. Extensive searching has revealed no baby with 'late diagnosed' CDH from the study population in 12 years. One baby commenced treatment late (at 4 months) because of a failure of process following early NHI detection. CONCLUSIONS: The true incidence of NHI in Australia is > or =19 per 1000 births. Successful clinical CDH screening programmes using primary care doctors can be created and might eliminate 'late diagnosed' CDH.     

The congenital dislocation of the hip joint in ultrasound examination--frequency, diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND: A real congenital dislocation of the hip joint is very rare. Because of the severeness of the disease an immediate diagnosis and begin of treatment is required. PATIENTS: Between 1984 and 1995 clinical and sonographic screening examinations at 4177 newborns were performed at our hospital. METHODS: We analyzed our patients retrospectively and found out all cases of congenital dislocation of the hip joint. All these cases were classified and the results of treatment were determined. The clinical success of our strategy of treatment was described. RESULTS: Among the 4177 observed newborns 39 cases of congenital dislocation of the hip joint in 27 children were found. We diagnosed the hip type IIIa, IIIb and IV according to Graf in 28.2 and 9 cases respectively. After 12 month a complete healing rate of 95 percent was exhibited with the functional management strategy. Five percent of the affected joints showed a residual dysplasia. The rate of residual dysplasias was 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The good prognosis after our early treatment strategy severe congenital dislocation of the hip joint underlines the use of earliest therapy together with a hip screening program.     

Standardized sonographic investigation of the lumbar spine in 247 newborns

Open dysraphism is generally known before birth due to prenatal screening but occult spinal malformation often remains unrecognized. Nevertheless, newborns with occult dysraphism could be easily diagnosed by ultrasound, which might be performed additionally to the neonatal screening of the hips. Early surgical treatment or close neuropediatric follow-ups could be administered as a consequence. As part of a prospective study-design, we screened the spinal cord of 247 newborns by ultrasound. Parents were interviewed about a positive family history, a folate intake during pregnancy, amniocentesis or chorionbiopsy. Clinically, cutaneous stigmata usually associated with occult spinal dysraphism were evaluated. An orthopedic and pediatric examination followed. The sonographic investigation was done in prone position using a newly designed positioning device. The sonographic examination was performed within 5 minutes and longitudinal and transversal pictures were taken for documentation. In all of the 247 examined newborns we were able to visualize the cartilageous structures of the spinal cord and the dural sack detailly. Dependent on the position of the newborn, variations of the width of the dural sack could be noted. Thus a newly designed positioning device helped to standardize the examination situation. We did not find any pathological changes of the spinal cord. Nevertheless ultrasonography provides a useful diagnostic tool in investigating the newborn where occult spinal dysraphism is expected.     

Sonographic neonatal screening of the hip joint--luxury or necessity?

Based on the ultrasound investigation of 19,666 babies (1981-1988), 6341 of them directly at the maternity ward, we picked out the group of sonographically unstable or decentered hip joints, which must be treated instantly. Almost 50% of these hips did not show any clinical signs of instability! At follow-up the subgroup of sonographically screened hip joints showed optimal results after consequent earliest treatment: 100% physiological results of CE-angle (Wiberg and Engelhardt), no femoral head necrosis. Ultrasound screening is the only tool to detect definitely all newborn hips requiring therapy. Earliest treatment is the pre-condition of anatomical healing up. Thus--a general sonographic newborn screening is indispensable.     

Newborn screening strategy for cystic fibrosis: a field study in an area with high allelic heterogeneity

To verify to what extent mutation analysis on blood spot could improve cystic fibrosis neonatal screening in an area with high allelic heterogeneity, we designed a special protocol. Spot trypsin estimation at birth, trypsin re-testing after 1 month, meconium lactase testing and mutation analysis of ΔF508, R1162X and N1303K, were retrospectively clustered according to different patterns (trypsin/lactase/mutation; trypsin/ lactase/re-testing; trypsin/mutation) and compared. The programme, which lasted 2 years (1993-94) and covered most of North-eastern Italy, included 95 553 screened newborns. Thirty-four affected babies were detected by screening and one by meconium ileus (incidence 1/2730). The combined use of trypsin, lactase and mutation analysis in cystic fibrosis neonatal screening permits a better sensitivity compared to the two other combinations (34 diagnoses vs 32 in both cases). Moreover, the higher specificity of the former method (false positives 42 vs 148) allows a reduction of recalls, which cause considerable anxiety. We confirm in trypsin-positive newborns an increased frequency of cystic fibrosis heterozygotes (1/17).     

Congenital heart disease in a Chinese hospital: pre‐ and postnatal detection,incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes

Background: The pre‐ and postnatal detection rate, incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) have been studied in developed countries for many years, but rarely have large‐scale studies been reported in Chinese populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pre‐ and postnatal detection rates, incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of CHD in a Chinese hospital in order to improve the future screening and treatment of CHD. Methods: Fetuses without risk factors for CHD were screened using basic cardiac ultrasound examination (BCUE). Fetuses with suspected cardiac malformation revealed by BCUE and fetuses with risk factors were screened using extended cardiac ultrasound examination. Outcomes recorded from fetal, neonatal and postmortem records over 4 years (2006–2009) included: therapeutic termination of pregnancy, spontaneous abortions or stillbirths, deaths at birth or in the neonatal period (before 28 days of age), and rate of birth and clinical characteristics of newborns. Results: A total of 34 071 fetuses were screened for CHD during a period of 4 years, of which 173 fetuses were screened for CHD using BCUE and 301 fetuses were screened using extended cardiac ultrasound examination. The incidence of fetal CHD increased from 1.1% in 2006 to 2.4% in 2009 (P < 0.05), yielding an overall incidence of 1.5% (523/34 071). Of the fetuses with CHD, 48.2% (252/523) died before 28 days of age (including intra‐uterine death and termination of pregnancy), 51.8% (271/523) lived more than 28 days and the incidence of live newborns with CHD was 0.80% (271/34071). Conclusions: The prevalence of CHD was quite common in this Chinese hospital. Detailed profiles of CHD suggest that, while training programs in obstetric screening at this hospital were beneficial, prenatal intervention, treatment and care of fetal CHD were inefficient and should be strengthened in China.     

Screening for hip abnormality in the neonate

Clinical screening policies for the detection of hip instability or dysplasia of the hip vary internationally. There is general agreement in the Western world that at birth all hip joints should be clinically assessed by the Ortolani and Barlow tests. Currently, there is no consistency regarding who should undertake the examination, the results being worse when inexperienced personnel are used. These clinical tests have poor sensitivity and should be regarded as surveillance, not screening methods. Since the 1980s ultrasonographic assessment of the hip has become a valuable diagnostic tool. However there is continuing controversy on whether this imaging method should be used universally or selectively for 'at risk' and clinically unstable hip joints. Universal ultrasonographic evaluation may result in over-treatment and selective screening may be no better than the best clinical screening programs in reducing the incidence of 'late' irreducible dislocation of the hip. It is generally accepted that all clinically unstable hips should be imaged by ultrasound by static and dynamic methods in order to confirm the diagnosis and to monitor treatment.