Dedicated fetal neurosonographic evaluation improves patient care and maternal fetal medicine fellow training. (1st February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iruretagoyena, Jesus Igor; Shah, Dinesh; Malinger, Gustavo
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 29:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 482
• Page End: 486
• Publication Date: 2016-02-01
• Subjects: Counseling -- dedicated fetal neurosonography -- MFM fellow training; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1006623
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Fetal malformations of the central nervous system are among the most common major birth defects encounter during prenatal ultrasound screening. Patients with fetal intracranial findings require further work-up for improving the accuracy of the sonographic diagnosis. We developed and advanced fetal neurosonography and related services to improve clinical care and to positively impact the fetal outcome. Currently, dedicated neurosonography in the prenatal period is not routinely offered across all prenatal diagnostic centers. We propose that dedicated neurosonography done in advanced prenatal diagnostic centers improves fetal outcomes. This is directly related to proper counseling, pediatric and neonatal involvement during the prenatal period. We present here our model of dedicated neurosonography adapted to our center in the last 4 years to improve diagnosis and better understand fetal CNS pathology. With commitment of resources and coordination of services, this model is easy to implement and benefits not only parents and babies but also provides the maternal fetal medicine fellows advanced training in fetal neurosonography.