The researchers now understand more about the mechanisms involved in fetal brain damage due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and how the brain establishes different ways of protection. They have refined specific neuro-psychological tests detecting subtle delays in newborn and have also developed unique protocols to perform MR imaging in infants during natural sleep. All this helps with early diagnosis and the identification of appropriate interventions.

This interdisciplinary research team is composed of specialists in fetal and paediatric medicine, basic scientists and bioengineers, allowing a holistic approach to their research. They are integrating research from prenatal to postnatal care in the unit’s functional design, so that the fetus and child are seen as the same patient over time. This is a unique model to allow early diagnosis and the identification of potential therapeutic targets.