Research and outcomes

The Fetal Concerns Center is the only program of its type in the region and one of only a small number across the country. Since 2000, the Center has served the special needs of expectant women and families, coordinating services for more than 500 families across the United States every year.

Our interdisciplinary team includes various subspecialties with a wide variety of experience, allowing us to provide the best possible care for patients that is specific to their conditions and needs. Our providers are committed to improving treatment options and patient outcomes through research and innovation.

Research

Many of the specialists on the Fetal Concerns Center team have published research specific to fetal care and/or fetal surgery, and we are currently participating in a number of active research studies both locally, nationally, and internationally. The Fetal Concerns Center is also a member of the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet), an association of fetal centers in North America with established expertise in fetal surgery and other forms of multidisciplinary care for complex disorders of the fetus. Our interdisciplinary team participates in several active NAFTNet research studies.

View our publications here.

Complicated Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy Registry: Twin pregnancies in which the babies share a placenta have a higher rate of complications than other pregnancies. We want to collect information about what happens during these pregnancies so that we can help you make the best decisions possible about care for you and your babies. The study is directed by William Goodnight, MD MSCR, at UNC Chapel Hill, where a national registry is housed.

Gastroschisis Outcomes of Delivery (GOOD) Study: Gastroschisis is a condition where the intestines are outside of the baby’s abdomen during pregnancy. Currently, there is not enough information to know the best gestational age for these babies to be delivered. The GOOD study is an international prospective randomized clinical trial that hopes to answer this question. Our own Amy Wagner, MD, is the PI for the GOOD Study. For more information, please visit the GOOD Study.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Aqueductal Stenosis Registry: Aqueductal Stenosis (AS) is a condition where the cerebrospinal fluid is blocked from flowing naturally, and can lead to hydrocephalus and a range of neurodevelopmental concerns. We want to collect information to determine the earliest gestational age that AS can be diagnosed. The study is directed by Stephen Emery, MD, at Magee-Womens Hospital of UMPC. He is combining the national registry information with animal studies to determine if a fetal therapy could be developed for AS.