Increase in blood tests for trisomies among expectant mothers in Barmer region - Rising Blood Tests for Trisomies in Barmer
In the health insurance realm of Barmer, an intriguing trend has surfaced: pregnant women in Lower Saxony are increasingly opting for prenatal blood tests to identify trisomies. Shattering 2022's figures, a whopping 44.8% of pregnant women in the region underwent such tests in 2021, contrasting the 34.4% recorded the year prior.
These so-called non-invasive prenatal tests scrutinize the genetic composition of the unborn child, focusing on trisomies 13, 18, and 21, where the most prevalent is Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Armed with data, Barmer reveals that trisomies surface when chromosomes in a child's cells are present three times instead of the usual two, potentially leading to physical anomalies, intellectual disabilities, and shortened lifespans.
Since July 2022, statutory health insurance funds have shouldered the cost of this test. Although it's not part of the recommended prenatal screening protocol, Barmer, which insures approximately 8.4 million individuals across Germany, including about 800,000 in Lower Saxony, covers this test for its clients.
Older pregnant women more likely to opt for prenatal testing
Expecting 17 out of 10,000 pregnant women aged 30-34 to bear a child with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in Lower Saxony, according to Barmer's analysis, such children exhibit disparate development patterns. Many with Down syndrome have mild disabilities that enable them to live independently as adults. However, children born with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 often suffer from severe malformations and significantly reduced life expectancies.
Barmer's data reveals that older pregnant women are more likely to undergo the test, with 60.9% of pregnant women over 36 in Lower Saxony opting for it in 2021. "Trisomies are rare at any age, but incidence increases with age," reported Heike Sander, Barmer's regional managing director in Lower Saxony and Bremen.
No signs of a decline in invasive tests
Introduced into the statutory health insurance benefits catalog to curb the number of invasive prenatal examinations, such as amniocentesis, which could result in infections or bleeding, the test has allegedly failed to decrease the number of invasive procedures.
The surge in non-invasive tests may be influenced by advancements in technology, increased awareness, changing demographics, and financial accessibility provided by health insurance coverage like Barmer. But, to gain deeper insights, more specific data or a direct report from Barmer would be essential.
In light of the growing trend, it might be prudent for community policy makers to consider integrating vocational training programs for adults with Down syndrome, focusing on health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors, as they emerge into adulthood. As science advances, the need for comprehensive women's health education and resources becomes increasingly vital for older pregnant women, offering them accurate information about their health and the options available during pregnancy.
