Author Archives: Admin
Research, such a necessity – Prof. Kypros Nicolaides
We had the history of Fetal Medicine unfolding in front of our eyes on 23rd October when Prof. Kypros Nicolaides narrated his journey over the past 30 years as part of FMF India’s research webinar series.
He gave a very personalized insight into how he observed patterns and their variations, gathered data , collaborated with like minded people and came up with algorithms for Down Syndrome screening. …and then preeclampsia, preterm births, multiple pregnancy, in utero therapy, non invasive prenatal screening ..and you name it all! His training has raised pioneers across the world and it is no surprise that his team has been at the forefront of investigating and finding solutions for almost every obstetric malady.
We feel proud that we practice evidence based medicine but he is the legend who assembled this evidence. It is his toil, hardwork and exemplary research on which the science of Fetal Medicine is based. When you hear “This one slide in my presentation is hard work of over 25 years” it makes you realise the enormity of it all.
What drives him to spend this time in research? How does he balance work, research and personal life? At the root of it all is the passion to make a difference in women’s obstetric outcome. His innovation in screening strategies using very simple markers and then motivating various research teams on finding solutions have transformed our practice.
Acknowledging the deficiencies in government’s allotment towards research activity, his charity- Fetal Medicine Foundation has donated 45 million pounds towards research in this field. He believes India has the potential and his parting words for us were “For India, the answer is collaborative research”.
Thanks to Anita Kaul for conceptualising FMF India’s Research webinar series and bringing her much beloved Professor, mentor, Kypros Nicolaides to share his passion and zeal for research and inspire others to understand why Research is such a necessity and not a luxury.
Why Research? with Prof Kypros Nicolaides
Key takeaways from the FMFI webinar on Rh isoimmunization
– 25th September 2020.
- 1. Whichever lab is used for titration of Rh antibody titres, once ICT comes positive, check whether the titres are verified by Tube agglutination method rather than column method.
Most labs have facilities for both but prefer to do the initial screening on the column method. An antibody screening panel test should be done straight away.
Best would be that as soon as ICT comes positive to refer to a fetal medicine unit - 2. The follow -up for ICT positive women is 2 weekly scans in a fetal medicine unit for MCA PSV.
The follow-up for Rh negative, but ICT negative is ICT blood checks every 4 weeks from 20 weeks onwards, apart from the booking bloods ICT . This will avoid late referrals for blood transfusion when the fetus is already in heart failure. - 3. Timing of subsequent transfusion after the initial in utero transfusion will be monitored by the cut-off of MCA PSV >1.5 MoM or rate of fall of hematocrit. Increasing the threshold to 1.69 MoMs (as suggested by a few papers) will miss a significant number of anaemic fetuses.
- 4. A lot of cases of isoimmunization happen even in women who have received prophylactic Anti-D injections. This could be secondary to inadequate doses, incorrect timing of prophylactic doses or faulty storage.
- 5. All Rh negative women who are ICT negative at 28 weeks, should receive full dose prophylaxis between 28-30 weeks and then at delivery in Rh positive babies.
- 6. Ideally a Kleihauer -Betke should be checked post delivery and additional doses be given if feto-maternal haemorrhage is deemed to be beyond the neutralization effects of the standard dose.
- 7. In peripheral areas, please check that your supplier has maintained the cold chain for Anti-D procurement and storage.
3rd Mastercourse in Neurosonography
Date: 25th & 26th April 2020
Venue: Auditorium, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
Faculty
Dr. Karina Krajden Haratz
Specialist in Fetal Medicine and Fetal Neuroimaging,
Senior Consultant at the ObGyn US Unit – Lis Maternity Hospital – Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel.
Researcher and Lecturer affiliated to the Tel Aviv University.
Target audience
Sonologists and Fetal Medicine practitioners, ObGyn Ultrasound consultants (max 20 delegates for hands-on)
Objectives
A unique 2-day intensive learning experience on Fetal Neurosonography focused on the exam technique and definition of normal imaging patterns: Hands-on training, dedicated time with expert, state-of-the art lectures, 3D practice with real-case volumes.
TIME | TOPIC |
---|---|
8:00 | Registration and opening |
8:30 | Physical aspects and presets for better imaging the fetal CNS |
09:15 | Technical aspects of the Neurosonographic exam |
10:00 | Neurosonoembryology |
10:45 | Coffee break |
11:15 | The lateral ventricles: developmental sonoanatomy and work-up in ventriculomegaly |
12:15 | Developmental sonoanatomy of the anterior complex and the CC and abnormal imaging patterns |
13:45 | Lunch |
14:45 | Live scan 1 |
15:15 | Group hands-on training |
TIME | TOPIC |
---|---|
8:00 | Developmental sonoanatomy of midbrain-hindbrain structures and the differential diagnosis of MB-HB anomalies |
09:30 | 3D neurosonography – tips and tricks |
10:15 | Coffee break |
10:45 | The fetal brain parenchyma and cortex – normal development and patterns of disease |
12:00 | The brain vasculature and congenital vascular malformations. |
13:00 | Lunch |
14:00 | Live scan 2 |
15:00 | Alternate groups – hands on / 3D practice |
Registration Fees :
- 32000 INR for theory with hands-on practical
- 17000 INR for only theory
*Delegates appearing for practical session need to submit documents of their degree, med council reg and affidavit.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. Bank Transfer to A/c No: 03192560004661; HDFC Bank, South Extension Branch, New Delhi; IFSC Code: HDFC0000319
2. Post Cheque in favour of “Fetal Medicine Foundation,India” to:
Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine,
Gate No:7, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals , Sarita Vihar, New Delhi,110044
For Programme Queries, Contact:
Dr Rachna Gupta, General Secretary: 09899294499
Dr Akshatha Sharma, Programme Coordinator : 09891494545
Dr Anita Kaul : 9811100511 anita_kaul@apollohospitalsdelhi.com
For Registration, PCPNDT, Payment details, Contact:
Himanshi: 09560127575, 011-29873018, 011-29873056 or write to fetalmedicine@apollodelhi.com
Bhatinda Outreach Programme
2nd Mastercourse in Neurosonography
Date: 21st & 22nd September 2019
Venue: Auditorium, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
Faculty
Dr. Karina Krajden Haratz
Tel Aviv Medical Center / Wolfson Medical Center
Target audience
Sonologists and Fetal Medicine practitioners, ObGyn Ultrasound consultants (max 20 delegates for hands-on)
Objectives
A unique 2-day intensive learning experience on Fetal Neurosonography focused on the exam technique and definition of normal imaging patterns: Hands-on training, dedicated time with expert, state-of-the art lectures, 3D practice with real-case volumes.
TIME | TOPIC |
---|---|
8:00 | Registration and opening |
8:30 | Physical aspects and presets for better imaging the fetal CNS |
09:15 | Technical aspects of the Neurosonographic exam |
10:00 | Neurosonoembryology |
10:45 | Coffee break |
11:15 | The lateral ventricles: developmental sonoanatomy and work-up in ventriculomegaly |
12:15 | Developmental sonoanatomy of the anterior complex and the CC and abnormal imaging patterns |
13:45 | Lunch |
14:45 | Live scan 1 |
15:15 | Group hands-on training |
TIME | TOPIC |
---|---|
8:00 | Developmental sonoanatomy of midbrain-hindbrain structures and the differential diagnosis of MB-HB anomalies |
09:30 | 3D neurosonography – tips and tricks |
10:15 | Coffee break |
10:45 | The fetal brain parenchyma and cortex – normal development and patterns of disease |
12:00 | The brain vasculature and congenital vascular malformations. |
13:00 | Lunch |
14:00 | Live scan 2 |
15:00 | Alternate groups – hands on / 3D practice |
Registration Fees :
32000 INR for theory with hands-on practical
17000 INR for only theory
*Delegates appearing for practical session need to submit documents of their degree, med council reg and affidavit.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. Bank Transfer to A/c No: 03192560004661; HDFC Bank, South Extension Branch, New Delhi; IFSC Code: HDFC0000319
2. Post Cheque in favour of “Fetal Medicine Foundation,India” to:
Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine,
Gate No:7, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals , Sarita Vihar, New Delhi,110044
For Queries Contact: Dr Rachna Gupta, General Secretary: 09899294499 Dr Akshatha Sharma, Programme Coordinator : 09891494545 or write to fetalmedicine@apollodelhi.com
Email: anita_kaul@apollohospitalsdelhi.com
Registration for Hands on course is now closed. You can still register for Theory course
Role of accredited biochemical reagents in aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening
Role of appropriate NT (nuchal translucency) measurement in aneuploidy screening is well established. Deviation of standard deviation and median NT from that expected, reduces the detection rates and hence continuous auditing of NT measurements is essential for quality assurance (Kagan et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2009; 33: 657 – 664).
Similarly, it is important that laboratories analysing biochemical markers for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening, also follow the same stringent criteria which was used during the research to develop the algorithm for screening test. It is necessary that when FMF algorithm (software) is used to calculate the risks, the laboratories should:
- Use FMF accredited reagents (Delfia, Roche or Kryptor)
- Ensure internal audits and controls
- Submit their results for auditing to an external agency like UKNEQUAS for quality assurance.
Deviation from expected MoMs will reduce the detection rates for condition being screened and the efficacy of the test.
Everyone who is offering first trimester screening tests should understand the nuances of the tests being offered and ensure strict adherence to the quality of the tests being done. As an obstetrician, one should ensure NT is measured by FMF certified operator who uses the FMF risk calculation software and biochemical tests are done by laboratories fulfilling the above criteria.
FMFI North East Symposium
Dr Surabhi Nanda
Liverpool, UK
Dr Akshatha Sharma New Delhi |
Proof Deepike Deke Guwahati |
Prof Mandakini Pradhan Lucknow |
Dr Prashanta Deke Arunachal Pradesh |
Prof Alakananda Das Guwahati |
Dr Evita Fernandez Hyderabad |
Prof Manju Puri New Delhi |
Dr Prathima Radhakrishnan Bangalore |
Dr Anita Kaul New Delhi |
Dr Indra Kumar Singh Mainpur |
Dr Manjima Baishya Ganguly Guwahati |
Dr Rachna Gupta Sonepat |
Dr Anitha Shettikeri Bangalore |
Prof Gokul Chandra Das Guwahati |
Prof Manisha Kumar New Delhi |
Prof R K Talukdar Guwahati |
Dr Apurba Bhattacharya Guwahati |
Dr Jina Bhattacharya Guwahati |
Dr Meenu Agarwal Pune |
Dr Satyajit Chowhan Guwahati |
Dr Arun Madhab Barua Dubrugarh |
Dr Jyoti Bhaskar New Delhi |
Dr Nabanita Deke Guwahati |
Dr Saket Thakar Kolhapur |
Prof A K Bhattacharjee Guwahati |
Dr Mainka Aggarwal Shilong |
Dr Parul Dutta Guwahati |
Dr Shyam Baruah Guwahati |
Dr Sujata Bhat New Delhi |
Date | Programme | TYPE Till 7th March 2019 | 8th March Onwards |
---|---|---|---|
16th March | Workshops 1 & 2 -11-14 Weeks, The First Trimester Scan -Intrapartum Monitoring |
Rs 1500/- | Rs 1875/- |
16th March | Workshop 3 Anomaly – Theory Only |
Rs 2500/- | Rs 3125/- |
17th March | CME | Rs 1800/- | Rs 2250/- |
Combo offer | Workshops 1 & 2 + CME | Rs 3000/- | Rs 3750/- |
Combo offer | Workshop 3 + CME | Rs 4000/- | Rs 5000/- |
Payment Details
Cheque, DD, Bank transfer to “Fetal Medicine Foundation India”
Bank A/c no: 03192560004661 IFSC Code: HDFC0000319 HDFC Bank, South Extension
Branch, New Delhi. Mail cheques/DD to secretariat address mentioned below ;
Conference Secretariat
Dr Anita Kaul
Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine
Gate No 7, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi – 110067
Phone: 9811100511, 9560127575, , Email: anita_kaul@apollohospitalsdelhi.com
Dr Rachna Gupta M: 9899294499 Dr Akshatha Sharma M: 9891494545
Organising Chairperson Dr Anita Kaul Organising Co-Chairperson Dr Prathima Radhakrishnan |
Organising Secretaries Dr Rachna Gupta M: 9899294499 Dr Akshatha Sharma M: 9891494545 |
LOC Chairpersons Prof Alakananda Das Prof Ratna Talukdar LOC Secretary Dr Nabanita Deka |
Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine Help Team Bhawna, Himanshi |
Cox n Kings Team Carolina Fernandes Deep Kumar Yadav |
FMF – UK Anomaly Certification – 2019
Date: 16th March 2019 Theory Course
Venue: Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati
Date: 17th May 2019 Practical Course
Venue: Auditorium, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
The Anomaly scan is considered as the most important scan in pregnancy and it is medico-legally important to perform it to the best of standards, with proper documentation of images. Enhance your skills at detecting birth defects to the standards required by the Fetal Medicine Foundation UK and the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG).
The course is useful for all those who are involved in obstetric scanning.
All Faculty are accredited by FMF-UK
The FMF-UK certified course for 18-23 weeks Anomaly will satisfy the theory requirements for the Certificationand for those who are eligible for the practical exam(ie those whose images have been approved by FMF-UK )will have a chance to appear for the Practical Assessment.
- Attendance of FMF Approved Theory course (16th March 2019 or previously attended approved course )
- Online submission of a log-book of a series of images from one normal fetus to FMF-UK (it takes approximately 2 weeks for approval of images post submission to anomaly@fetalmedicine.org)
- Demonstration to a FMF approved examiner of competence in carrying out a 18-23 weeks scan and good knowledge of the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of fetal abnormalities
Requirements for Practical Examination:
I. Registration with PNDT appropriate authority (South East District, Saket, Delhi) at least 30 days in advance of the date of practical examination (17th May 2019).
Documents required for PNDT registration, to be submitted at Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi for getting registration for the hands-on
- Affidavit on INR 10 stamp paper attested by notary.
The affidavit format is available for download below - Copy of qualification certificates (MBBS/MD/MS) self attested.
- Copy of DMC / MCI registration (self attested).
Registration Fees : INR 5000/-
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. Bank Transfer to A/c No: 03192560004661; HDFC Bank, South Extension Branch, New Delhi; IFSC Code: HDFC0000319
2. Post Cheque in favour of “Fetal Medicine Foundation,India” to:
Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine,
Gate No:7, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals , Sarita Vihar, NewDelhi,110044
Web: www.fmfindia.in
Email: anita_kaul@apollohospitalsdelhi.com.
For Queries call Himanshi on 9560127575, 011-29873018, 26925858; Extn 3018, or write to fetalmedicine@apollodelhi.com
Dr Rachna Gupta, General Secretary: 09899294499
Dr Akshatha Sharma, Programme Coordinator : 09891494545
Ques 1. Who all are eligible for theory?
All those who are involved in obstetric scanning.
Ques 2. Who are eligible to appear for practical examination on 17th May 2019?
Doctors whose images have been approved by FMF-UK before 31th April, 2019 and provided the requisite documents and affidavit for PCPNDT registration are sent beforehand to Apollo Centre for Fetal Medicine by 17th April 2019.
Ques 3. Is it a must to get registered with Delhi Medical Council?
No, any state medical council or MCI registration will suffice.
Ques 4. What if my images are not approved before practical examination?
If your images are approved after 17th May 2019. by FMF-UK, you can appear for practical examination on the next scheduled date which will be announced later.
Ques 5. Will there be repeat theory course in year 2019?
No
Ques 6. Will there be repeat theory course/ practical in the year 2020 or later?
Yes, but registration fee will be separate.
Ques 7. Will I get FMF UK Certification for Anomaly if I attend only the Theory Course?
No. FMF UK Certification for anomaly can be obtained only after you have:
1). Received approval from FMF UK for the logbook of images submitted,
2). Cleared your practical exam and
3). Attended the FMF approved Theory Course
However, you shall receive a certificate of attendance for the Theory course.
Ques 8. When can we know about our eligibility for the practical exam after submitting the documents?
All those finalized for the practical exam (subject to PCPNDT approval) will be informed about their schedule for the practical exam by 30th April,2019.