Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly

Objectives:To assess the indications of termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal anomaly beyond 22 weeks of gestation.Methods:All pregnant women who underwent TOP for fetal anomaly between January 2002 and December 2006 were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (≤ 22 weeks of gestation); and group 2 (> 22 weeks of gestation). A comparative analysis of the prenatal diagnosis, established by ultrasound, and the results of postmortem findings was performed.Results:There were 249 (53.8%) and 214 (42.6%) cases in group 1 and group 2, respectively. TOP was performed at a mean gestational age of 22.1 ± 5.37 weeks. The majority of group 2 TOPs (78%) were performed because of central nervous system defects, multiple malformations, and chromosomal diseases.Conclusion:A substantial proportion of TOPs for fetal anomaly beyond 22 weeks of gestation could have been performed earlier with timely diagnosis.