Prenatal Risk Assessment with Typolog's PRISCA Software

PRISCA software was on the cutting edge when it was introduced seven years ago as the first prenatal risk assessment package to run on Windows^®. Today, PRISCA enjoys widespread use for maternal screening. Developed for calculating fetal risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and neural tube defects (NTD), PRISCA is upgraded annually according to the latest scientific findings and user suggestions. Risk calculation serves to help the clinician and patient decide whether amniocentesis should be performed. Software-based maternal screening may reduce the need for amniocentesis in women aged 35 or more.

PRISCA 3.5 manages both first- and second-trimester screening.

First trimester
Risk calculations utilize PAPP-A and free b-HCG weight- corrected MoMs (multiples of the median).

Second trimester
Risk calculations utilize results obtained from the double test (AFP and HCG), triple test (AFP, HCG and unconjugated estriol [uE3]), or triple test with inhibin A instead of uE3. Selectable algorithms are derived from publications by Aitken, Wald, Cuckle (likelihood ratio) and Pedersen (discriminant function). MoM corrections are built in for weight, smoking, ethnic origin, twin pregnancy, IVF and diabetes.

PRISCA NT offers all the functionality of the 3.5 version and includes nuchal translucency as a further parameter. It combines first- or second-trimester biochemical results with NT measurements.

Automation capabilities
A unidirectional connection may be achieved with PRISCA 3.5 and PRISCA NT through the use of DESMODA software and an existing IMMULITE or IMMULITE 2000 LIS connection.

PRISCA 4.0 is slated for release in 2002. It will combine PRISCA 3.5 and PRISCA NT features into one software package while offering maximal customization options and different screening strategies in random access. It may also be customized to provide full automated prenatal screening upon request.