Research article summary (published 30 Jan 2008):

Routine third trimester ultrasound: what is the evidence?

Full Abstract

Policies for routine third trimester obstetrical ultrasound examinations differ among countries. In Canada, a routine third trimester ultrasound scan is not offered in the low-risk pregnancy population. This practice is based mainly on results of a meta-analysis published in 2001 that concluded "routine late pregnancy ultrasound in low-risk or unselected populations does not confer benefit on mother or baby." We reviewed in detail each study included in this meta-analysis in order to re-evaluate the Canadian practice regarding routine third trimester ultrasound in the low-risk pregnant population. The meta-analysis included outdated techniques and ultrasound examinations performed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. To assess the effect of routine third trimester ultrasound on perinatal outcome, the interventions prompted by an abnormal diagnostic test result must be considered. None of the trials included in the meta-analysis evaluated the effect of routine third trimester ultrasound on perinatal outcomes in a low-risk population when ultrasound assessment was followed by an altered perinatal management plan. Our assessment of the published evidence regarding routine third trimester ultrasound puts in question the contemporary validity of the conclusion of the 2001 meta-analysis. In fact, the 2001 meta-analysis has recently been withdrawn by the authors.

Author information

Author/s: Le Ray, Camille (C); Lacerte, Maxime (M); Iglesias, Marie-Hélène (MH); Audibert, François (F); Morin, Lucie (L);

Affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Sainte Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstétrique et gynécologie du Canada : JOGC (J Obstet Gynaecol Can), published in Canada. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Feb; vol 30 (issue 2) : pp 118-22

Dates: Created 2008/02/07; Completed 2008/03/27;

PMID: 18254992, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Canada Female Humans Meta-Analysis as Topic

Meta-Analysis as Topic Pregnancy Pregnancy Trimester, Third Ultrasonography, Prenatal

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