The Fetal Center Journal

On June 8, 2021, the clinical trial results for the Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung Growth (TOTAL) Trial, led by Jan Deprest, MD, PhD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium, were published. The TOTAL Trial was an international, multicenter randomized controlled trial with two arms, the Severe Arm and the Moderate Arm, evaluating survival and morbidity in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

The Fetal Center Journal's Spring 2021 Edition features a story on the road toward a safe method of minimally invasive myelomeningocele repair. Additionally the journal discusses Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital receiving Level 1 Verification by American College of Surgeons. In addition, this journal features new additions to The Fetal Center including Rodrigo Ruano, MD, PhD, Eric Bergh, MD and Thomas Cunningham.

The Fetal Center’s Spring 2020 Journal illustrates the affiliated team’s efforts to help solve the diagnostic and treatment dilemma of Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). This Journal expands on the team’s research related to treatment of fetal spina bifida using a human umbilical cord patch. In addition, this journal features stories on the Dugger family's journey with The Fetal Center, news of two pediatric congenital heart surgeons joining the Children’s Heart Center and more.

The Fetal Center’s Spring 2019 Journal illustrates how the affiliated physicians at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth are leaders in in the care and treatment of Rhesus (Rh) disease. The journal also features a success story of Brittany Pineda who was diagnosed with rhesus alloimmunization while pregnant with her son Mikah, a new clinical trial for umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells for hypoxic neurologic injury in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and other notable Fetal Center news.

The Fetal Center’s 10th Newsletter includes a feature article on comprehensive care for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and the affiliated physicians at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, who are internationally-recognized leaders in providing state-of-the-art fetal care, neonatal critical care and minimally invasive surgical repair of CDH. Also included is a patient story on Aryah, The Fetal Center’s first fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) patient who was diagnosed prenatally with CDH as well as recent news from The Fetal Center, including information about updated patient outcomes and new patient education...

September 2016 marked the fifth anniversary of The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, affiliated with the physicians at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. In 2011, we began the initiative to develop an outstanding multispecialty group to serve the maternal-fetal needs of mothers, their families and their referring physicians, building on strong clinical and research programs in neonatology, maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, fetal and pediatric cardiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, radiology, nephrology, urology and anesthesiology. Since that time, The Fetal Center has evolved into a national and international leader in fetal diagnosis...

The Fetal Center’s Spring 2016 Journal includes: a congenital diaphragmatic hernia update on how physicians and researchers affiliated at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealthare are improving the odds prenatally, postnatally and beyond; a patient story about one of identical twins was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); and patient education video series about potential risks associated with monochorionic twins as well as detailed information about the available treatment options, including laser photocoagulation for severe Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and the etiology and natural history of spina bifida.

The Fetal Center’s Winter 2015 Journal includes: a research update about a safe method of minimally invasive myelomeningocele repair; patient stories about the MOMs trial and spina bifida successes; patient care resources including a patient care algorithm for fetal surgery for spina bifida repair; educational videos that empower patients prenatally diagnosed with spina bifida; and a genetic counseling corner about noninvasive prenatal testing.

The Fetal Center's Fall 2014 Journal includes: featured stories about how superior pre- and postnatal care to treat congenital heart defects leads to rapid growth and five transverse views of the fetal heart and cardiac anomaly patient care algorithm; a patient story that demonstrates how early detection, prenatal diagnosis, pregnancy management and coordination of delivery at a tertiary care facility like Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital can result in a good outcome for babies with a potentially life threatening cardiac condition; upcoming events; and a research and education update.

The Fetal Center's Spring 2014 Journal includes: an overview about the Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Program; a cleft lip patient success story; a featured story about how the CAPS program supports families through continued growth; a research update; a summary of the Image Gateway Program; and fascinating fetal finds related to fetal neck teratoma.

The Fetal Center Fall 2013 Journal includes: a featured story about The Fetal Center reaching a milestone for laser ablation; a fetal center patient story about a successful diagnosis and treatment for twins with TTS; research and education information; upcoming educational events; and updates and news.

The Fetal Center's Summer 2013 Journal includes: a featured story about fetal cardiologist, Helena Gardiner, MD, PhD, joining The Fetal Center; an overview about the multidisciplinary approach to caring for congenital heart defects; research and education updates; a patient success story about Mason, a baby born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS); upcoming events; and fascinating fetal finds related to chorioangioma.

The Fetal Center’s Spring 2013 Journal includes: a featured story about congenital diaphragmatic hernia; ongoing research projects; an overview of the spina bifida program that provides coordinated and compassionate care; an update of Anthony Johnson, DO appointment to the NAFTNet Executive Committee; and upcoming Fetal Center events.

The Fetal Center's Fall 2012 Journal includes: a featured story about Michael Bebbington, MD, MHSc, joining The Fetal Center; an announcement of The Fetal Center joining North American Fetal Treatment Network (NAFTNet); education and research updates; an overview of The Fetal Center's newest team members; and a patient story about Faith Hagler, the first patient to undergo in-utero repair of spina bifida in the state of Texas.

The Fetal Center's Spring 2012 Journal includes: a featured story about Kenneth Moise, MD, and Anthony Johnson, DO, joining The Fetal Center; a patient story about The Fetal Center performing the first in utero surgery for myelomeningocele in Texas; ongoing research project updates; and upcoming events.