Centers & Programs News

The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics: Help for Complex Pregnancies

Parents-to-be who are worried about birth defects can now find out exactly what's happening to their babies in the weeks before delivery. Some are relieved to learn there's nothing wrong and they can proceed with a normal birth. Others will need help from a wide range of medical disciplines in the weeks ahead. The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital opened in January 2004 with the aid of a March of Dimes Community Grant and now offers a wide range of prenatal testing, specialty consultations, and pregnancy management. It also has a world-class team of pediatric and surgical experts who address major structural abnormalities at the time of birth.

"We are one of several centers in the country with the capacity to handle these difficult problems, taking care of both the mother and the baby," says Lynn Simpson, MD, Medical Director of the program who works closely with Charles Stolar, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery, as well as senior representatives from pediatric cardiology, neonatology, and genetics. The Center brings together leading specialists in a variety of departments to assure families the best possible outcome. "Our goal is to offer comprehensive evaluation in a single day," says Dr. Simpson, "and provide the finest follow-up care."

Today, one third to one half of all infants requiring surgery for congenital defects are diagnosed in the weeks before birth. This allows surgeons to prepare for rigorous procedures that can save a baby's life. "Twenty years ago, we saw only diaphragmatic hernias. These are abnormal openings in the diaphragm that allow part of the abdominal organs to migrate into the chest cavity," says Dr. Stolar. "Today we can identify at least fifteen other conditions needing immediate surgical repair." The most common problem is congenital heart disease, followed by abnormalities of the chest and abdomen.

About 75 percent of all infants evaluated at the Center require surgery, according to Dr. Stolar. "This is a stressful time for prospective parents," he adds, "but these families have more confidence knowing they've come to an institution with the resources to manage these unusual challenges." Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital has been designated by New York state as a Regional Perinatal Center with the ability to address high-risk cases. It has one of the most experienced obstetric teams in the nation, and the largest pediatric cardiac service in the New York area.

In a recent week, experts at the Center cared for two infants who had a great deal of difficulty coming into this world. Each child had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia as well as a heart defect. "Had these children been delivered at a local hospital, they wouldn't be alive today," Dr. Stolar says. "The obstetricians made a very accurate prenatal diagnosis. After delivery the infants were stabilized on a special heart-lung machine that oxygenates the baby's blood.We were able to address these complex conditions and now expect these infants to grow up to be teenagers and more."

"What makes us unique is our highly personalized and integrated approach," adds Dr. Simpson. "We have a case coordinator who helps families to prepare—medically and emotionally—for a high-risk delivery. Our physicians and surgeons also have a long history of collaborating on these difficult cases." In addition, the Center offers genetic testing and advises women and their families about their risks of having children with congenital abnormalities.

To learn more about The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics dial 1.877.THE BABY