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N Scott Adzick

Publications and source records attributed to N Scott Adzick.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Does the use of fentanyl in epidural solutions for postthoracotomy pain management in neonates affect surgical outcome?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Continuous epidural analgesia is routinely used to manage pain in infants undergoing resection of a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung. Our aim was to determine if there is a difference in the length of stay (LOS), supplemental analgesic requirements, pain control, and the incidence of adverse respiratory events in infants receiving the 2 standard epidural solutions commonly used: bupivacaine 0.1% and bupivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 to 5 microg/mL. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of infants who received epidural infusions containing bupivacaine 0.1% (n = 18) and bupivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 to 5 microg/mL (n = 10) after CCAM resection during a 12-month period. LOS, rescue opioid, and nonopioid analgesic use, incidence of respiratory depression, and pain scores were recorded. RESULTS: The LOS in patients receiving fentanyl in their epidural solution was 1 day longer than those receiving plain bupivacaine (median 4 vs 3 days, respectively). Nonopioid analgesic and rescue opioid use was greater in patients who did not have fentanyl in their epidural solutions. Pain ratings were not significantly different. The incidence of respiratory depression was greater in patients receiving epidural infusions containing fentanyl (50% vs 17%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The addition of fentanyl to epidural infusions of bupivacaine in infants undergoing thoracotomy for resection of CCAM may prolong recovery and increase the incidence of adverse respiratory events without providing a significant analgesic benefit.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
PubMed2005

Long-term outcomes in children treated by prenatal vesicoamniotic shunting for lower urinary tract obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Limited information is available about long-term outcomes in children treated prenatally for lower urinary tract obstruction. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes in children treated in utero with vesicoamniotic shunts. METHODS: Clinical outcomes in 20 pregnancies with a singleton male fetus, oligo/anhydramnios, and lower urinary tract obstruction were studied using chart review and phone and written clinical questionnaire for parents, pediatricians, and urologists. RESULTS: Overall 1-year survival was 91%. Two neonatal deaths occurred from pulmonary hypoplasia. Mean gestational age at delivery was 34.6 weeks, mean days from shunting to delivery were 84.4, and mean birth weight was 2,574 g. Prenatal urinary prognosis was good in 13, borderline in 2, and poor in 3 of the survivors. Mean age at follow-up was 5.83 years. Posterior urethral valves were confirmed in 7 males, urethral atresia in 4, and prune belly syndrome in 7. Eight children had acceptable renal function, 4 had mild insufficiency, and 6 required dialysis and eventual renal transplant. Eleven children had normal bladder function with spontaneous voiding, 6 required catheterization, and 1 child still had a vesicostomy. Height and weight were below the 25th percentile in 9 children. Persistent respiratory problems were present in 8, musculoskeletal problems in 9, and frequent urinary tract infections were reported in 9. Health-related quality of life results in our group with lower urinary tract obstruction were similar to those in a healthy child population. CONCLUSION: Male children who underwent prenatal bladder shunting were neurodevelopmentally normal. Although one third of the surviving babies required dialysis and transplantation, the majority have acceptable renal and bladder function and report satisfactory quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Acute cardiovascular effects of fetal surgery in the human.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal surgery for congenital anomalies can prevent fetal demise or alter the course of organ development, resulting in a more favorable condition at birth. The indications for fetal surgery continue to expand, yet little is known about the acute sequelae of fetal surgery on the human cardiovascular system. METHODS AND RESULTS: Echocardiography was used to evaluate the heart before, during, and early after fetal surgery for congenital anomalies, including repair of myelomeningocele (MMC, n=51), resection of intrathoracic masses (ITM, n=15), tracheal occlusion for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH, n=13), and resection of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT, n=4). Fetuses with MMC all had normal cardiovascular systems entering into fetal surgery, whereas those with ITM, CDH, and SCT all exhibited secondary cardiovascular sequelae of the anomaly present. At fetal surgery, heart rate increased acutely, and combined cardiac output diminished at the time of fetal incision for all groups including those with MMC, which suggests diminished stroke volume. Ventricular dysfunction and valvular dysfunction were identified in all groups, as was acute constriction of the ductus arteriosus. Fetuses with ITM and SCT had the most significant changes at surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Acute cardiovascular changes take place during fetal surgery that are likely a consequence of the physiology of the anomaly and the general effects of surgical stress, tocolytic agents, and anesthesia. Echocardiographic monitoring during fetal surgery is an important adjunct in the management of these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Prenatally diagnosed giant omphaloceles: short- and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To review prenatal findings, short- and long-term outcomes of giant omphaloceles (GO) managed at a single institution (1996-2001). METHODS: Prenatal findings and early postnatal outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed in eight and five children respectively. Parents and physicians of the children were surveyed by written questionnaires about the children's subsequent health issues. (IRB 2002-2-2683). RESULTS: Seventeen pregnancies with GO were identified: Eight fetuses were live born, four ended in (terminations), two died in utero and three were lost to follow-up. Live-born fetuses had prenatal ascites, extreme levocardia and were delivered by cesarean section at a mean of 37 weeks' gestation with a mean birth weight of 2903 g. All neonates required intubation. Two infants (2/8) died within one year. Four of the six survivors had respiratory insufficiency with a mean ventilation time of 76 days. Respiratory and feeding problems complicated the early neonatal course. Long-term follow-up was available for five patients (mean age of 33.2 months). Asthma, recurrent pulmonary infections, feeding problems, gastroesophageal reflux and failure to thrive were the major problems. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory and feeding problems were the most common neonatal and long-term medical management issues. Parents need to be counseled prenatally about the probability of multiple surgeries and long hospitalization following birth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Reproductive outcomes after pregnancy complicated by maternal-fetal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The reproductive outcomes for women after the pregnancy complicated by maternal-fetal surgery were evaluated to obtain evidence-based information for prenatal risk counseling. STUDY DESIGN: The retrospective review identified 83 women with maternal-fetal surgery from a single institution (1996-2002). These women were sent a consent form and a questionnaire to document postoperative problems, fertility, obstetric outcomes, and psychosocial concerns in pregnancy after the index fetal therapy. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from Committee for Protection of Human Subjects. RESULTS: The total return rate was 55 (66%). The pregnancy rate was 62% (18% spontaneous abortion, 24% preterm delivery, and 58% term delivery). Complications were reported in 12 of 34 pregnancies (35%), including uterine dehiscence/rupture (12%/6%), cesarean hysterectomy (3%), and antepartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion (9%). CONCLUSION: The reproductive outcome of uterine dehiscence, rupture, and hysterectomy was 12%, 6%, and 3%, respectively, after a pregnancy complicated by maternal-fetal surgery. The uterine rupture rate is similar to the rupture rate after "classical" cesarean section (4%-9%).

Female↗
PubMed2004

Sacrococcygeal teratoma: prenatal assessment, fetal intervention, and outcome.

PURPOSE: To understand the natural history and define indications for fetal intervention in sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), the authors reviewed all cases of fetal SCT presenting for evaluation. METHODS: Prenatal diagnostic studies including ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography and pre- and postnatal outcomes were reviewed in 30 cases of SCT that presented between September 1995 and January 2003. RESULTS: The mean gestational age (GA) at presentation was 23.9 weeks (range, 19 to 38.5) with 3 sets of twins (10%). Overall outcomes included 4 terminations, 5 fetal demises, 7 neonatal deaths, and 14 survivors. Significant obstetric complications occurred in 81% of the 26 continuing pregnancies: polyhydramnios (n = 7), oligohydramnios (n = 4), preterm labor (n = 13), preeclampsia (n = 4), gestational diabetes (n = 1), HELLP syndrome (n = 1), and hyperemesis (n = 1). Fetal intervention included cyst aspiration (n = 6), amnioreduction (n = 3), amnioinfusion (n = 1), and open fetal surgical resection (n = 4). Indications for cyst aspiration and amnioreduction were maternal discomfort, preterm labor, and prevention of tumor rupture at delivery. Although 15 SCTs were solid causing risk for cardiac failure, only 4 fetuses met criteria for fetal debulking based on ultrasonographic and echocardiographic evidence of impending high output failure and favorable anatomy at 21, 23.6, 25, and 26 weeks' gestation. Intraoperative events included maternal blood transfusion (n = 1), fetal blood transfusion (n = 2), chorioamniotic membrane separation (n = 2), and fetal arrest requiring successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (n = 1). In the fetal resection group, 3 of 4 survived with mean GA at delivery of 29 weeks (range, 27.6 to 31.7 weeks), mean birth weight of 1.3 kg, hospital stay ranging from 16 to 34 weeks, and follow-up ranging from 20 months to 6 years. Postnatal complications in the fetal surgery group included neonatal death (n = 1, secondary to premature closure of ductus arteriosus with cardiac failure), embolic event (n = 1, resulting in unilateral renal agenesis, jejunal atresia), chronic lung disease (n = 1), and tumor recurrence (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: For fetal SCT, the rapidity at which cardiac compromise can develop and the high incidence of obstetric complications warrant close prenatal surveillance. Amnioreduction, cyst aspiration, and surgical debulking are potentially life-saving interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Right congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Prenatal assessment and outcome.

PURPOSE: To understand the natural history of right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the authors retrospectively reviewed 27 cases of right CDH that presented for prenatal evaluation or postnatal treatment. METHODS: Between 1995 and September 2002, a total of 194 cases of fetal CDH were evaluated and included 22 right-sided defects. The authors reviewed prenatal diagnostic studies (ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] echocardiography) and pre- and postnatal outcomes in these 22 cases of right CDH. Five additional cases of right CDH without a prenatal diagnosis were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at evaluation was 26.1 weeks. The lung area to head circumference ratio (LHR) ranged from 0.32 to 2.5. In all cases, the fetal liver was herniated into the right chest. Associated anomalies were common. There were no karyotype abnormalities (17 of 22 tested). There were 4 terminations. Nine of the 18 (50%) continuing pregnancies had polyhydramnios, premature rupture of membranes, or preterm labor. The mean gestational age at birth was 36.8 weeks. One patient underwent tracheal occlusion at 27 weeks, and 2 patients died before postnatal repair. Overall survival rate (22 prenatal plus 5 postnatal diagnoses) was 19 of 27 (70%). Postnatal survival rate was 19 of 23 (83%). A Gore-tex (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) patch was utilized in 14 of 21 neonates undergoing surgery. Twelve of 23 (52%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a 75% survival rate. Significant morbidity occurred in 10 of 19 survivors and included neurologic sequelae in 6 of 19 (32%). CONCLUSIONS: MRI was helpful in the determination of liver position and confirmation of diagnosis. The high incidence of preterm complications, frequent need for ECMO, and high prevalence of comorbidities are indicative of the severity of this CDH population and warrant close prenatal surveillance and delivery at a tertiary care center with ECMO capability.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation↗
PubMed2004

A multidisciplinary approach to the focal form of congenital hyperinsulinism leads to successful treatment by partial pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) causes severe hypoglycemia in neonates and infants. Recessive mutations of the beta-cell K(ATP) channel genes cause diffuse HI, whereas loss of heterozygosity together with inheritance of a paternal mutation cause focal adenomatous HI. Although these 2 forms of HI are clinically identical, focal HI can be cured surgically. The authors reviewed their experience with partial pancreatectomy for focal HI. METHODS: From December 1998 to January 2003, 38 patients (ages 2 weeks to 14 months; median age, 10 weeks) were treated with partial pancreatectomy for focal HI. Before surgery, patients had localization studies using selective arterial calcium stimulation with venous sampling or transhepatic portal venous sampling. At operation, the focal lesion was found using the preoperative localization data and multiple pancreatic biopsies with frozen section analysis, followed by partial pancreatectomy. A complete response at follow-up was defined as no requirement for glycemic medications, no continuous tube feedings, and no diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Nineteen pancreatic focal lesions were in the head; 15 were in the neck, body, or tail; and 4 had more extensive involvement. Lesions that required substantial resection of the pancreatic head underwent Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy to preserve the normal body and tail. Lesions of the body or tail were usually treated with partial distal pancreatectomy. Ninety-two percent (35 of 38) of patients had a complete response to surgery. Three patients have required glycemic medications. No patient is diabetic. Surgical complications included additional resection for residual disease (3), small bowel obstruction requiring laparotomy and enterolysis (2), and chylous ascites (3) that resolved with medical management. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to patients with the focal form of congenital hyperinsulinism can distinguish focal from diffuse disease, localize focal lesions, and permit partial pancreatectomy with cure in most patients.

Congenital Hyperinsulinism↗
PubMed2004

Congenital hyperinsulinism: intraoperative biopsy interpretation can direct the extent of pancreatectomy.

Most cases of congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) manifest as either a diffuse or focal form. Diffuse HI is characterized by the presence of enlarged islet cell nuclei, defined as those occupying an area 3 times larger than the surrounding nuclei, throughout the pancreas, and usually requires near total pancreatectomy. Focal HI contains, within an otherwise normal pancreas with islet cell nuclei of normal size, a focus of adenomatous hyperplasia characterized by endocrine cell overgrowth occupying more than 40% of a given area. This form of HI is amenable to partial pancreatectomy. The current study assesses whether intraoperative frozen section evaluation can distinguish the 2 forms and guide the extent of pancreatectomy. By frozen section analysis, diffuse HI is diagnosed when enlarged islet cell nuclei are present in random intraoperative biopsies from the head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Focal HI is suggested when random biopsies contain no large islet cell nuclei, prompting a further search for a focal lesion. Fifty-two HI patients who underwent pancreatectomy from October 1, 1998 to September 30, 2002 were reviewed. On permanent sections, 18 were classified as diffuse HI, 30 had focal HI, and 4 could not be categorized as either. Among 18 diffuse HI patients, 17 were correctly diagnosed by frozen section; all underwent near total pancreatectomy. One case was interpreted as not belonging to typical diffuse or focal HI; however, the permanent sections showed diffuse HI. Twenty-six of 30 focal HI cases were correctly diagnosed by frozen section. The remaining 4 focal HI cases posed diagnostic difficulties on frozen sections because of one the following reasons: 1) presence of equivocally large islet cell nuclei or rare truly large islet cell nuclei in areas nonadjacent to the focal lesion, and 2) large and/or ill defined focus of adenomatous hyperplasia. Twenty-one of 30 focal HI patients eventually had 10% to 93% (mean, 41.8%) of their pancreas resected. In addition to cases typical for diffuse and focal HI, there were 4 other cases whose pancreata did not fit well with either category. These pancreata showed islet cell nuclear enlargement, as characteristically seen in diffuse HI, but only in confined areas of the pancreas. Examination of routinely processed tissue confirmed frozen section findings in all 4 cases. Intraoperative frozen section evaluation, therefore, can assume an essential role in identifying patients with focal HI to limit the extent of pancreatectomy. However, a small number of cases with unusual histology warrant caution when performing frozen section evaluation.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2004

Preoperative evaluation of infants with focal or diffuse congenital hyperinsulinism by intravenous acute insulin response tests and selective pancreatic arterial calcium stimulation.

Infants with congenital hyperinsulinism often require pancreatectomy. Recessive mutations of the ATP-dependent plasma membrane potassium channel (K(ATP)) genes, SUR1 and K(ir)6.2, cause diffuse hyperinsulinism. K(ATP) channel mutations can also cause focal disease through loss of heterozygosity for maternal 11p, resulting in expression of a paternal mutation. This study evaluated whether focal vs. diffuse hyperinsulinism could be diagnosed by acute insulin response (AIR) tests and whether arterial calcium stimulation/venous sampling (ASVS) could localize focal lesions. Fifty infants with diazoxide-unresponsive hyperinsulinism were studied. Focal lesions occurred in 70% of the cases. Positive AIR calcium occurred in 17 of 30 focal and 10 of 13 diffuse cases (P < 0.04). Positive AIR tolbutamide occurred in 27 of 30 focal vs. seven of 13 diffuse cases (P < 0.02); K(ATP) channel mutations were identified in four of the latter. ASVS localized the lesion in 24 of 33 focal cases (73%) but correctly diagnosed diffuse disease in only four of 13 cases. These results indicate that preoperative AIR tests do not distinguish focal vs. diffuse disease because some K(ATP) channel mutations retain responsiveness to tolbutamide. The ASVS test can be used to localize focal lesions in infants. The combination of ASVS, careful intraoperative histologic analysis, and surgical expertise succeeded in correcting hypoglycemia in 86% of the infants with focal hyperinsulinism.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2004

Blood glucose control during selective arterial stimulation and venous sampling for localization of focal hyperinsulinism lesions in anesthetized children.

Surgical management of congenital hyperinsulinism is improved by accurate localization of small, focal dysregulated pancreatic lesions using the arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) test, which can demonstrate increased hepatic venous insulin concentrations after selective arterial injections of calcium. However, anesthesia-related increases in blood glucose can induce insulin secretion, making it difficult to interpret ASVS test data. In this retrospective study, we examined the effect of anesthetic interventions on blood glucose concentrations in 68 children undergoing ASVS testing. We considered only the glucose concentrations observed before calcium stimulation in the final analysis. The choice of drugs for induction (sevoflurane, propofol, or thiopentone), maintenance inhaled anesthetics (sevoflurane, desflurane, or isoflurane), and the use of caudal epidural bupivacaine were not associated with significant differences in the mean blood glucose concentration before ASVS. However, patients receiving remifentanil infusions had smaller mean glucose concentrations (80 +/- 18 versus 100 +/- 44 mg x dl(-1), P = 0.01). These concentrations were also significantly smaller if tracheal intubation was delayed for at least 10 min after induction while patients received inhaled anesthetics via a face mask along with remifentanil infusions (79 +/- 14 for delayed intubation versus 95 +/- 39 mg x dl(-1) for early intubation, respectively, P = 0.03). The percentage increase in glucose concentrations from preintubation values was significantly smaller in these subjects (3.7% +/- 21.9% for delayed intubation versus 31.7% +/- 60.4% for early intubation, P = 0.02). We conclude that the anesthetic management protocol for these patients should include the use of remifentanil infusions and the administration of inhaled anesthetics and remifentanil infusions for a minimum of 10 min to establish a deep plane of anesthesia before tracheal intubation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele.

INTRODUCTION: Although in utero treatment of myelomeningocele shows promise in decreasing the morbidity of this disease, the risks to the fetus are significant, and the benefits are unproven. TRIAL: The upcoming trial represents one of the few times that the pediatric neurosurgical community has come together to test a new procedure.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed2003

In utero limb salvage: fetoscopic release of amniotic bands for threatened limb amputation.

The natural history of extremity amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a progression to deformity or amputation. Fetoscopic laser release of amniotic bands in extremity ABS offers the potential to prevent limb amputation. The authors report on 2 patients with isolated extremity ABS who underwent fetoscopic release. Both patients had isolated extremity ABS with compromised extremity perfusion and no other significant structural abnormality diagnosed sonographically. The first patient underwent fetoscopic release of bands of the left wrist, and the second patient underwent lysis of bands around the right wrist and an unsuspected band around the right lower extremity. Both patients had restoration of blood flow by color Doppler to the affected extremity. There were no perioperative complications. In select patients with isolated extremity ABS, early fetoscopic release may prevent amputation and allow improved limb development.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: natural history and management.

BACKGROUND: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a life-threatening condition with a poorly understood natural history. METHODS: A retrospective review of five patients with CHAOS between 1997 and 2002 was performed. RESULTS: All fetuses had large echogenic lungs, dilated airways, inverted diaphragms, and massive ascites. One fetus with a laryngeal cyst was terminated at 22 weeks. A twin fetus with findings suggestive of a tracheal web had progressive hydrops, which led to fetal demise. The remaining 3 patients delivered via the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure survived. The first patient tolerated progressive hydrops for 12 weeks in utero. He had tracheal atresia but underwent laryngotracheoplasty successfully. He is the first long-term CHAOS survivor and is speaking at 5 years of age. The 2 patients with relatively stable lung volumes prenatally have laryngeal atresia with a pinpoint posterior laryngeal fistula. Their postnatal clinical courses were much more benign than the first survivor. CONCLUSIONS: The prenatal natural history and postnatal course of CHAOS depends on whether the airway obstruction is complete. The EXIT procedure offers the potential for salvage of this otherwise lethal condition. Hydrops may be well tolerated prenatally for weeks with potential resolution if airway fistulization is present.

Abortion, Eugenic↗
PubMed2003

Management of fetal lung lesions.

We have learned from prenatal diagnosis that there is a wide spectrum of clinical severity for fetuses that have a lung mass. Accurate prognostic information is necessary for providing appropriate management and parental counseling. If an associated life-threatening anomaly is present or if the mother is ill with the mirror syndrome, then the family might choose to terminate the pregnancy. If the fetus is not hydropic and an isolated fetal lung lesion is present, the mother is followed by serial ultrasound and arrangements are made for the best possible care after birth. Some CCAMs and many BPSs will shrink in size, so it is important to try to differentiate these lesions using prenatal diagnostic criteria, although this technique is not always possible. All fetuses that had fetal thoracic masses without hydrops in our series survived in the setting of maternal transport, planned delivery, and postnatal evaluation at a facility with ECMO capability. Many of the babies that had large lesions at our center required ventilatory support, and six babies needed treatment with ECMO. Our impression is that these nonhydropic fetuses that had lung masses had less lung hypoplasia and a much better prognosis than those that had diaphragmatic hernia despite a similar degree of mediastinal shift as judged by prenatal sonography. In asymptomatic neonates that have a cystic lung lesion, we believe that elective resection is warranted because of the risks of infection and occult malignant transformation. Malignancies consist mainly of pleuropulmonary blastoma in infants and young children and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in older children and adults. After confirmation of CCAM location by postnatal chest CT scan with intravenous contrast, we recommend elective resection at 1 month of age or older. This age has been chosen because anesthetic risk in babies decreases after 4 weeks of age. An experienced pediatric surgeon can safely perform a lobectomy in infants with minimal morbidity. Early resection also maximizes compensatory lung growth. In contrast, we have usually followed patients with a tiny, asymptomatic, noncystic BPS if we are confident of the diagnosis based on postnatal imaging studies. We do not favor the approach of catheterization and embolization for the treatment of larger BPS lesions. If the fetus is hydropic at presentation or if hydrops develops during serial follow-up, management depends upon the gestational age. For hydropic fetuses of greater than 32 weeks' gestation, early delivery should be considered so that the lesion can be resected ex utero, but the neonatal outcome is dismal. We recently managed two such cases using an ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) strategy with resection of the mass during the EXIT procedure. Both fetuses survived and one required the use of ECMO. For hydropic fetuses of less than 32 weeks' gestation, there is now a new therapeutic option, treating the lesion before birth.

Bronchopulmonary Sequestration↗
PubMed2003

Establishing a fetal therapy center: lessons learned.

Antenatal diagnosis and treatment are well established. The unborn baby with an anomaly is a patient who requires assessment and potential prenatal intervention. Congenital anomalies now surpass prematurity as the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality but still are rare. The unique needs of abnormal fetuses and their families are best served in specialized centers with focused expertise and extensive clinical experience. This article details the essential components of a center for fetal diagnosis and treatment and describes some of the lessons learned based on our experience at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Female↗