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Successful completion of the fetal abnormalities online theory course

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FMFI fetal abnormalities course

Our much awaited annual event-The Fetal Abnormality Theory Course (FMF UK Approved) made its debut on the digital platform on 6th and 7th Feb,2021.

The course was attended by nearly 250 delegates from all over the country, many of them on their way to get their certificates of competence in the midtrimester fetal scanning.

FMF India team of Rachna Gupta, Akshatha Sharma, Anita Kaul and Rakesh Rai designed, managed and ran the 2 day webinar. GE and astraia software supported the course.

The talks were presented by FMF UK approved renowned senior faculty-Dr Anita Kaul, Dr Prashant Acharya, Dr Gowrishankar Paramsivan, Dr Chinmayee Ratha, Dr Veena Acharya, Dr Tulika Tayal, etc and covered normal and abnormal views in every organ system.

FMF India firmly believes in establishing a standard of care in fetal scanning across the country which will ensure a reduction in paediatric morbidities/disabilities. Going digital has only helped us in reaching out to a larger audience and is a gratifying step in this direction. For more information on upcoming events, become an FMF India member and  keep watching the space at fmfindia.in

The attendees will be given a Theory Certificate (by email, in 10 days). The requirements for FMF UK Certificates of Competence (in Fetal abnormalities) are:

  • Submitting a logbook of images (as mentioned on the FMF UK website) to anomaly@fetalmedicine.org
  • Attending the online Fetal Abnormalities course on FMF UK website.
  • Theory Course Certificate
  • Clearing the Practical Assessment (with an FMF approved Trainer)-This will be possible only once the logbook of images has been approved by FMF UK.

 

 

 

Key takeaways from the FMFI Research webinar on fetal growth and monitoring

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Fetal growth and monitoring has always been a subject of tremendous interest
for the obstetricians ,Fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists and not to forget
-the parents!

Research from various parts of the world has provided  the much needed insight
in this aspect however published work from Indian quarters has always been a
sore point.This is especially when we have some researchers arguing that
growth is ethnicity specific with an equally vociferous disagreement.

We were however fortunate to have Dr Uma Ram and Dr Seneesh KV for the
FMFI Research Webinar on 15.01.21 who have initiated work in this field.

Dr Uma Ram presented her work on how the Diabetic foetuses have increased
subcutaneous fat at the midtrimester scan, predating the clinical diagnosis of
GDM. She also shared that these studies are now being validated as prospective
studies.

An interesting discussion by the chairpersons- Dr S Suresh, Dr Ashok
Khurana and Dr Anita Kaul was whether these findings could be integrated in
an algorithm to initiate early maternal nutrition therapy.

Dr Seneesh showcased his study, prospectively comparing different available
antenatal and postnatal growth charts.

The concluding remarks by the chaipersons emphasised the need of following up every fetus by the
drop/increase in their centiles irrespective of the growth charts that are used. In
addition, multivessel Dopplers added significant value in the decision of
delivery of a fetus that shows declining centiles.

It was a stimulating session and pushed us to think beyond the routine where a
simple additional measurement from a standard fetal plane could potentially
change the course of maternal complications. The hard work put in a
prospective study whilst doing routine clinical work to answer questions that we
come across daily but brush aside due to lack of time was equally invigorating.

We hope to collate many more such research work by Indian authors in the
times to come.

Research, such a necessity – Prof. Kypros Nicolaides

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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.

Key takeaways from the FMFI webinar on Rh isoimmunization

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 – 25th September 2020.

FMFI Webinar on Rh Isoimmunization

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7. In peripheral areas, please check that your supplier has maintained the cold chain for Anti-D procurement and storage.

3rd Mastercourse in Neurosonography

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Date: 25th & 26th April 2020
Venue: Auditorium, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Faculty
karina
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.

Programme schedule
Day 1
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
Day 2
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

3rd Mastercourse in Neurosonography

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When: April 25, 2020 @ 8:00 am – April 26, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
Where: Auditorium, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital,Sarita Vihar, New Delhi,110076, India

Faculty
karina
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.

Programme schedule
Day 1
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
Day 2
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


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