Prediction of Future Neurological Abnormalities Based on Fetal Neurobehavior and the Role of Obstetrician in Identifying & Preventing Such Occurrences

Fetal nervous system is especially susceptible to injury during pregnancy and early post-natal period. Injuries to the developing nervous system can later present with a wide range of disabilities, the worst of which are collectively categorized as cerebral palsy. At present the diagnosis of CP and other neurodevelopment abnormalities depend heavily on clinical findings of delayed sensory-motor development, a method that is both unreliable and causes significant delays in diagnosis. Since children with neurodevelopment problems benefit from early efficient intervention, need for novel methods of early diagnosis is evident. One such area of interest involves the assessment of fetal neurobehavioral to predict later neurodevelopment outcomes. KANET is one of the first standardized models developed for this purpose and utilizes 4D ultrasonography for accurate assessment. KANET classifies fetuses as normal, borderline or abnormal depending in neurobehavioral observation. This early identification of fetuses at very high risk of abnormal neurodevelopment, allows the Obstetrician to discuss management option with parents, including termination of pregnancy in severe cases. Parental counseling regarding current and future pregnancies is an important aspect of the process. At present neurobehavioral assessment techniques are in their infancy. Techniques and standards need to be further refined through continued research. The equipment and technologies required remain expensive presenting a barrier to routine implementation of such testing. However the implementation of such techniques may prove to be cost efficient in the long term by helping avoid the significant socio-economic burden and parental trauma caused by cerebral palsy and related disorders.