Driscoll PULSE: Summer Edition 2024

MFM Services & Conditions

Our Services NONINVASIVE TESTING ƒ Genetic screening ƒ Genetic counseling ƒ

Conditions & Complications

Fetal Conditions

Diabetes

Multiple gestations Fetal growth abnormalities Suspected fetal anomalies Fetal congenital cardiac defects Fetal abdominal wall defects

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Hypertensive disorders Cardiac disease Renal disease Thyroid disease

Preconceptual counseling Detailed fetal anatomy survey

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Doppler studies

Cervical length ultrasound

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Antenatal testing Fetal cardiac echocardiography

Infectious diseases Preterm labor including cervical insufficiency and premature rupture of membranes

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Fetal neural tube defects Fetal anemia

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INVASIVE TESTING AND FETAL PROCEDURES ƒ Amniocentesis ƒ Chorionic villus sampling ƒ Fetal blood sampling ƒ

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Placental abnormalities Recurrent pregnancy loss

Intrauterine infections Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome

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Intrauterine fetal transfusion

Fetal shunt placement

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After a mother is referred by an obstetrician, the department evaluates and then engages in further specialty evaluations leading to advice and plans for successful management of identified problems. In the case of a complex surgical or congenital heart defect, collaboration is planned with the primary obstetrician, a pediatric surgeon or a fetal cardiology team, a transport team, and/or the pediatric cardiovascular surgery team. The team seeks to make the process as smooth as possible for the family. Regular meetings are held to discuss high-risk patients, ranging from sonograms to upcoming deliveries where infants will need immediate care. “These meetings are designed to ensure a collaborative approach for management, delivery, and postpartum care,” explained Dr. Javier Castillo, Driscoll Medical Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine. To make parents feel more comfortable and informed, families are given tours of Driscoll facilities, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Cardiac Unit weeks in advance of the big day.

Babies with congenital heart defects receive especially watchful oversight throughout this entire process and are discussed with the heart team. “We routinely present a fetus with a new congenital defect to our maternal fetal medicine conference and develop a comprehensive plan throughout their pregnancy and delivery,” Castillo said. “After our maternal fetal medicine specialist counsels the patient, we then refer the patient to our pediatric surgical or pediatric cardiology teams for collaborative management.” With best-in-class care and a multidisciplinary approach, Driscoll’s Maternal Fetal Medicine department ensures care every step of the way for patients.

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