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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter December 1, 2006

Neurosonography in the second half of fetal life: a neonatologist's point of view

  • Claudine Amiel-Tison , Julie Gosselin and Asim Kurjak

Abstract

This article reviews the interpretation of the fetal motor repertoire in the light of neurophysiology and clinical neurology. The continuity of the maturative process from the fetus to the neonate allows us to speculate on the predictive value of optimal and non-optimal neurological function as observed in the fetus and their morphological consequences. Neonatologists know that early prediction concerning outcome is reliable only at the two ends of the spectrum, e.g., optimal and very abnormal situations. However, in intermediate situations the quality of observations achieved by 3D–4D ultrasonography already allows to demonstrate the prenatal onset of brain damage, based on morphologic and functional signs. Their identification during the second half of pregnancy may serve as a retrospective marker of a prenatal insult.

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Corresponding author: Claudine Amiel-Tison Port-Royal-Baudelocque Department of Pediatrics 123 Bvld de Port-Royal 75679 Paris Cedex 14/France

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Published Online: 2006-12-01
Published in Print: 2006-12-01

©2006 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York

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