Search

Aim: To demonstrate the effect of the Syrian refugee population on the prevalence of congenital TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Other [syphilis, varicella‐zoster, parvovirus B19], Rubella, Cytomegalovirus [CMV] and Herpes) infections and to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of population‐based TORCH screening during pregnancy in Turkey. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 9754) were enrolled. Ultrasonographic findings, immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG seropositivity, avidity, amniocentesis and DNA‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were compared. Costs were calculated based on invoice amounts from the Health Applications Communique pricing system. Results: The prevalence of TORCH seropositivity in Turkey was not significantly different between all regions (P > 0.05). Overall, 1333 (13.67%) pregnant Syrian refugees were included in the study. Acute CMV, rubella and Toxoplasma gondii infections (according to low IgG avidity in IgM positive patients) were detected in 17.82%, 21.53% and 14.07% of women, respectively. Twenty‐four women underwent an amniocentesis procedure and nine of them had positive DNA‐PCR and reverse transcription‐PCR results. All women with positive results opted to terminate the pregnancy. There was no statistical difference among groups according to the rate of low IgG avidity in IgM‐positive patients and termination rates for T. gondii, rubella and CMV (P > 0.05). Total cost for screening the entire study population was presented in US dollars (USD). A total of 71 529 and prenatal diagnosis with positive invasive test results were obtained in nine women: toxoplasmosis in four, CMV in three and rubella in two women. Conclusion: Population‐based screening for prenatal TORCH infections is not cost‐effective in Turkey. Syrian refugees have a limited effect on the increasing prevalence of congenital TORCH infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Firat Tip Dergisi is the property of Firat University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)