Foreword

The prenatal diagnosis and management of fetal disorders are some of the most common challenges in obstetrics since some of these disorders can have devastating consequences for both the mother and fetus or neonate. Close antenatal surveillance is of paramount importance because these fetal disorders are the cause of an increased risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, spontaneous or indicated preterm birth, neonatal morbidity and abnormal short and long-term neurodevelopment. Some of these disorders may also carry a significant risk for recurrence in the pregnancies to follow, which makes genetics an integral part of the evaluation.

Given the tremendous technological advances in fetal imaging, by ultrasound and MRI, over the last four decades and the huge impact of fetal disorders on both maternal and fetal/neonatal health, this book on “Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Disorders” will hopefully be an extremely significant and timely contribution. This textbook is unique because it provides brief, clear, succinct information on the most commonly diagnosed fetal disorders. Front line health care providers can use this current information in the initial care of patients and before referral to subspecialists for the most complicated cases. The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and its world-renowned experts as contributors.

Given the short and long-term health consequences of fetal disorders, it remains vital for the international community to be familiar with cutting-edge fetal medicine information including not only fetal structural malformations but also disorders such as intrauterine fetal death and fetal infections. This textbook covers the most important topics in Fetal Medicine. Each chapter is well organized using a reader-friendly format including definition, prevalence, etiology, prenatal imaging (ultrasound and/or MRI) diagnosis, genetics, and prenatal and postnatal counseling of each disorder.

The textbook “Diagnostic and Management of Fetal Disorders” results from a combined effort of distinguished contributors, Dr. Boris Petrikovsky and Dr. Harris Cohen who are well-recognized authorities in the field of fetal medicine.

In my view, this textbook on “Diagnostic and Management of Fetal Disorders” covers every aspect of the most common fetal disorders and provides clear and succinct up-to-date information like no other text. This textbook will serve as the source of valuable information for front line healthcare providers. Therefore, I strongly recommend its reading by all those frontline health care providers who are involved in prenatal diagnosis and management of fetal disorders.