The Fetus as a Patient: The Evolving Challenge - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1842141570 ISBN 13: 9781842141571

Publisher: CRC Press, 2002

Synopsis

Major advances in ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis and therapy, and fetal assessment are furthering fetal medicine and clinical perinatology. These developments include: progress in 3-dimensional and color Doppler ultrasound for insights into early embryonic structure and function, counseling for pre-embryonic research, genetic counseling and prenatal informed consent, the use of cardiotocograms (CTGs), ultrasound imaging, Doppler ultrasound, analysis of nucleated red blood cells, and a broad range of clinical topics ranging from the Internet to neonatal intensive care.

Under the editorship of Dr. Frank Chervenak and Professors Asim Kurjak and Zoltan Papp, authors and editors of many respected books in this field, The Fetus as a Patient: The Evolving Challenge provides detailed, authoritative coverage of the latest developments in fetal medicine and clinical perinatology. Following an introductory chapter on the moral foundations of leadership in fetal medicine, the book presents 38 chapters in four sections dealing with new developments in ultrasound, the state of the art of prenatal diagnosis and therapy, the challenge of fetal assessment and current perspectives on clinical perinatology. The volume is extensively illustrated throughout and includes bibliographic references and index.

The Fetus as a Patient elucidates the current work of the Board of Directors and invited speakers of the International Society of the Fetus as a Patient, which is dedicated to improving all dimensions of fetal diagnosis and therapy.

About this title

From The New England Journal of Medicine

The Fetus as a Patient is a compilation of topics presented at meetings of the International Society of the Fetus as a Patient. The chapters are short, concise, and up to date. Almost all of them review major advances in the field of perinatology. The book is certainly not comprehensive; it is not a textbook, and it does not reflect all the current research in the field. Nevertheless, it is easy to read and contains much clinically valuable information. It has short chapters on specific topics, with clear delineations of what is known (and not known) and an extensive reference list for readers who want more depth. This book takes a fresh approach to the most important areas of perinatology. It has four sections: new developments in ultrasonography, the state of the art of prenatal diagnosis and therapy, the challenge of fetal assessment, and current perspectives in clinical perinatology. Ethical and moral dilemmas, informed consent, patient counseling, and the delivery of care are covered in each section. Throughout the book there are excellent summaries, clear indicators of standards of care, and clinical-practice guidelines. The Fetus as a Patient reflects some of the major changes that have occurred in perinatology, particularly in ultrasound imaging techniques. The introduction of transvaginal probes, three-dimensional imaging, and, most recently, four-dimensional imaging (which shows fetal movement) makes possible the observation of embryos and fetuses with some degree of accuracy and precision. New technology is part of the excitement of this book and of perinatology in general. New imaging techniques reveal embryos' developing organs, allow measurement of precisely timed growth, document movement, and allow timing of the regression of the yolk sac. Eight years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that transvaginal studies would allow such clear images of the embryo, the uterus, and the maturing cervix. The superb color reproductions of Doppler images included in the book also show vascular development in normal and complicated pregnancies. The recognition of changes in the vascular supply that could lead to abortion allows better management of pregnancy at much earlier stages than was previously possible. The developing brain can be observed for normal and abnormal formation and for the volume of the fetal brain structures. Development of the vasculature can now be correlated with normal (or abnormal) growth in developing organs such as the lungs and brain. Today, there are many methods of diagnosing prenatal disorders. Two chapters cover prenatal diagnostic techniques and education of the public about hemoglobinopathies. Another chapter relates the way in which fetal cells in the maternal blood can be studied for the molecular diagnosis of disease in the fetus. The standards for amniocentesis, though already well established, are carefully reviewed. Although there is no coverage of current topics such as the sampling of chorionic villi, other important areas, such as the conception of twins, triplets, and greater multiples due to the use of artificial reproductive techniques, are covered in detail. The moral, ethical, and health concerns about selective termination of pregnancy are dealt with in a straightforward manner. A variety of new techniques, including cardiotocography, blood-flow measurement, and methods of precise physical measurement, have improved clinicians' ability to assess fetal health. Twin-to-twin vascular connections can now be identified and treated earlier than was previously possible. Many new studies provide standards of normality for twins and triplets. Both growth-limiting factors and growth-promoting factors are being recognized in multiple gestations. The section on new developments and new knowledge thoughtfully covers the following areas: low-molecular-weight heparin, breast cancer during pregnancy, toxoplasmosis, single-dose corticosteroids, preeclampsia, and approaches to newborn intensive care that are oriented toward preservation of the brain. This book is suitable not only for perinatologists but also for everyone who wants to be informed about new developments in the field of perinatology. The International Society of the Fetus as a Patient has chosen cutting-edge topics, as well as experts in the field, and has successfully produced a book that is both readable and informative. Judith Hall, M.D.
Copyright © 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

Edition details

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1842141570
• ISBN 13: 9781842141571
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 300
• Editor: Chervenak Frank A., Kurjak Asim, Papp Zoltan