Parental Management Choices and Discordant Ultrasound Findings in Referrals for Fetal Spina Bifida.

Objective: The severity of spina bifida aperta can be assessed prenatally by ultrasound. Morphological findings assist parents in choosing between management options. We aimed to document those management choices since the introduction of fetal surgery, and compare initial ultrasound findings prior to referral to findings in a fetal surgery center.

Method: Single center cohort study of 245 consecutive fetuses with a second-trimester diagnosis of SBA. Data included nature of referral (for assessment or for surgery), condition-specific findings on ultrasound, and further management. We compared the reported findings on the initial ultrasound to ours for the presence of hindbrain herniation, lesion level, ventricular width, kyphosis, leg movement, and club feet.

Results: Seventy-two percent (n = 177) of fetuses met the eligibility criteria for surgery; in 60% (n = 106) parents opted for fetal surgery. Of 136 patients specifically referred for surgery, 27 were ineligible (20%). Of the others, 93 proceeded with surgery. In up to 28% (n = 30) of surgery referrals, eligibility criteria such as lesion level (n = 30, 28%) or leg movement (72%, n = 78) as severity indicators were not reported.

Conclusion: Fetal surgery uptake was high in patients referred for surgery. Second assessment in a fetal surgery center often reveals additional relevant information.