Nation's first fetal therapy network established in Shanghai
Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital teamed with seven leading maternity hospitals in the nation to set up the Chinese fetal therapy network, which is to regulate the practice of fetal therapy, carry out joint research and establish guidelines, experts announced over the weekend.
It is the nation’s first fetal therapy organization in an effort to regulate and boost the new technology and benefit more children who are detected with fetal diseases or deformity during their mothers' pregnancy.
“Fetal therapy is very challenging and risky medical practice, which should take into account the health and safety of both mother and fetus,” said Dr Duan Tao from Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. “Actually, there are only a few cases and a few diseases which can be intervened through intrauterine surgery with promising results. Doctors must do proper evaluation before giving fetal therapy and tell parents the possible consequences.”
Even though fetal therapy can improve the survival of those sick fetuses, there are higher chances of complications to babies after they are born, doctors said.
Experts said some hospitals exaggerated the effects of fetal therapy and mislead parents.
The purpose of the network is to carry out unified research and evaluation after sharing information and medical records together to study the effects of technologies and treatment for a professional technical guidance.
“We view fetus as a patient and should give it proper respect and proper treatment,” said Duan Tao.