Aktueller Stand und zukünftige Entwicklung der prä- und postnatalen Vorsorge- bzw. Screeninguntersuchungen – Evidenz tut Not

Objectives In this selective review we provide an overview of the current pre- and postnatal screenings up to 18 years established in Germany to inform physicians of different medical fields (gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners, other medical specialists who treat children, adolescents or pregnant females). Current State Research on screening for different types of cancer has frequently failed to show any benefit. Thus, there is a need to broaden the evidence basis related to medical screenings especially for children and adolescents. Outlook Potential future developments of pre- and postnatal screenings are illustrated including their social impact. The lack of an early detection of mental health problems is pointed out. An interdisciplinary collaboration and research is required to accumulate evidence with regard to medical screenings and to consider health economic and ethical aspects.