Message from the Director of Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT)

Recent advances in fetal diagnostic technology have enabled us to begin post-natal treatment quickly and efficiently. At the same time, there are diseases for which a better prognosis can be expected if treatment is begun before birth. In the care of such diseases, a new medical care system is required which regards the fetus as a patient. CFDT aims to provide better treatment for childen to be born and their mothers through the cooperation of all medical care departments involved in fetal diseases.

Specialized Medical Services

CFDT was established at Osaka University Hospital in October 2015.
The center is headed by the director OKUYAMA Hiroomi, director of pediatric surgery, and deputy director ENDO Masayuki, lecturer of obstetrics & gynecology. Utilizing the features of a university hospital, we actively conduct highly specialized treatment during the fetal stage or after birth, by teams from multiple departments, for fetal diseases diagnosed before birth. We have a system which can respond quickly in each specialized field of pediatric medicine and surgery, including obstetrics & gynecology, neonatal care, pediatric surgery, neurosurgery and oral surgery, are equipped with cooperative systems for clinical psychologists and genetic counselors, and many cases for fetal diagnosis are introduced not only from the Hokusetsu region, but from all over Osaka, and the Keihanshin area.

The specific medical content is as follows.

（1）Diagnosis of fetal diseases

We make prenatal diagnoses using a variety of techniques (including ultrasound, fetal MRI, fetal CT, NIPT, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and genetic diagnosis).

（2）Screening tests for fetal diseases

We conduct fetal screening tests for early, mid and late pregnancy.

（3）Prenatal counseling

After examination of the fetus, prenatal counseling is provided by a doctor of the department involved.

（4）Prenatal treatment of fetal diseases

We perform medical and surgical fetal treatments. When necessary, cases are smoothly introduced to fetal treatment facilities in the whole country.

（5）Treatment compliant with the Maternal Protection Law

As needed, we also perform treatment in compliance with the Maternal Protection Law. In combination with obstetric anesthesia or psychological support by clinical psychologists, we actively provide genetic consultation on future prospects with genetic counselors or clinical genetic specialists in the Department of Genetic Counseling.

（6）Social issues related to fetal diseases

Social and psychological support are provided.

（7）On advanced treatments for fetal diseases

Regarding fetal therapies that are not yet carried out in Japan, such as ectopic fetal therapy or fetal stem transplantation, we work closely with fetal diagnosis and treatment facilities around the country to positively consider their introduction.

Features

CFDT is a cooperatibve medical care department of the sections, departments and centers of Osaka University Hospital and Dental Hospital.

Considerations in referring your patients to CFDT

A letter of introduction from the current clinic or hospital is required for a consultation. In order to visit CFDT, please contact this hospital's Patient Support Center for an appointment. Otherwise, please make a direct first visit on Tuesday or Friday to CFDT for outpatients in Obstetrics & Gynecology in order to consult CFDT. In principle, all who visit will be examined.

※Up to now, Obstetrics & Gynecology outpatients have been merged with CFDT outpatients.
※Our entire staff looks forward sincerely to introductions from everyone.