Towards a new era in fetal medicine in the Nordic countries
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › Research
Fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics investigating the development, growth and disease of the human fetus. The advances in fetal imaging (ultrasonography, MRI) and molecular diagnostic techniques, together with the possibility of intervention in utero, make fetal medicine an important, rapidly developing field within women's healthcare. Therefore, a variety of specialists, such as neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists, medical geneticists, radiologists and pediatric surgeons, are necessary to adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of the fetus as a patient. In this commentary, we provide a description of some organizational and educational aspects of fetal medicine in the Nordic countries, using examples of the management of specific conditions such as aneuploidy screening, red cell allo-immunization and fetal interventions. Clearly, there are several cultural, legal, organizational and practical differences between the Nordic countries; these are not necessarily negative, given the high standards of care in all Nordic countries. The scope of the newly founded Nordic Network of Fetal Medicine is to enhance cooperation in clinical practice, education and research between the participant countries. Hopefully, this initiative will find the necessary political and economic support from the national authorities and bring a new era in the field of fetal medicine in the Nordic region.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 8 |
Pages (from-to) | 845-9 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 0001-6349 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published - Aug 2016 |
- Female, Fetal Diseases, Fetal Therapies, Humans, International Cooperation, Obstetrics, Pregnancy, Prenatal Diagnosis, Scandinavian and Nordic Countries, Journal Article
Research areas
ID: 178901006