Vasa praevia
The UK NSC policy on Vasa praevia screening in pregnancy
More Information
Vasa Praevia is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels from the placenta or umbilical cord block the birth canal and rupture as the waters break.
» Also see the UK NSC policy on placenta praevia
Policy Position
A national screening programme for vasa praevia is not recommended.
This policy was reviewed in Nov 2008 but no significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2011/12, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
Although the current literature suggests that vasa praevia is now detectable by ultrasound there is insufficient information on the case definition, natural history and epidemiology of the condition. There is also uncertainty on the accuracy and practical application of the test and there is no agreed management pathway for those with confirmed vasa praevia and for those with some risk factors in the absence of vasa praevia. In this context there is uncertainty about the balance of benefit and harm to be derived from screening all pregnant women with a view to offering caesarean section to those at risk.
This policy was adopted on the basis of the evidence supporting the NICE Routine Antenatal Care Guideline (see below)
National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health. Commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Antenatal care: routine care for the healthy pregnant woman. CG62: full guidance. March 2008 (corrected June 2008).
See the review against UK NSC criteria, on the placenta praevia policy page.
Stakeholders
British Maternal & Fetal Medicine Society
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Society of Radiographers
Vasa Praevia Raising Awareness
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
