OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the socio demographic profile and perinatal outcome of pregnant women with prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of major fetal malformation at the Hospital das Clínicas, Medical School, São Paulo University. The study was performed from December 15th 2005 to December 15th 2006. METHODS: This is an observational descriptive study where 335 pregnant women were interviewed after agreement. Postnatal information was obtained until a month after due date of birth. Cases that were not confirmed and did not consent to participate in the study were excluded. RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 27.1 years and skin color was brown in 48.1% of cases. According to the education level and salary, 57.8% did not finish college and the mean monthly income was 3.1 minimal wages. A previous history of fetal malformation was reported by 10.4% of women. The central nervous system was the most frequent site of malformation (28.1%), followed by renal (9.3%) and cardiac (9%) defects. Fetal karyotype results were abnormal in 23.6% of fetuses. Pregnancy outcome was ascertained in 311 cases (92.8%): 76.8% were alive, 25.7% were neonatal deaths, 16.4% were stillborn and 6.3% miscarried. CONCLUSION: This study describes socialdemographic features and perinatal outcome in pregnancies with major fetal malformation diagnosed antenatally. This information is useful for parent counselingin cases with an abnormal fetal diagnosis.
Congenital Abnormalities; Prenatal diagnosis; Prenatal ultrasonography
