Review of Prenatal Aneuploidy Screening Uptake Rate and Trends in Iran, and Developed Countries

Abstract

: Prenatal screening of different anomalies including chromosomal aneuploidies have become a part of routine pregnancy care in most countries around the world. These tests can help pregnant mothers to have informed decisions. In this study we gathered relevant scientific and governmental/official data about uptake rate of these screenings in different developed countries and Iran. We have tried to use the latest articles and reports, and also consider to the global trend of screening and abortion policies in developed countries. Also, some pitfalls when comparing prenatal screening of different countries will be explained. These data can help to have a better insight about Iran’s prenatal screening status when compared with developed countries to improve public health policies.

Prenatal screening tests and prevalence of fetal aneuploidies in a tertiary hospital in Thailand

“…In the United States (US), the uptake rate for serum screening tests increased from 22% in 1988 to 72% in 2012 [ 13 ]. The uptake rate of screening tests in Europe is around 80%–90% due to the national policy offered to all pregnant women in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Switzerland [ 14 ]. However, the uptake rate in the Netherlands was around 30%–50% due to the additional cost of screening and people considering that Down syndrome is not a severe condition for pregnancy termination [ 14 – 16 ].…”

“…The uptake rate of screening tests in Europe is around 80%–90% due to the national policy offered to all pregnant women in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Switzerland [ 14 ]. However, the uptake rate in the Netherlands was around 30%–50% due to the additional cost of screening and people considering that Down syndrome is not a severe condition for pregnancy termination [ 14 – 16 ]. In Australia, the screening uptake varied from 44.9% [ 17 ] to 83% [ 18 , 19 ].…”