UC San Diego Health Joins National Network to Revolutionize Maternal-Fetal Care
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health have joined forces with UC San Francisco and UCSF Health to develop into part of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network. This collaboration, backed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), promises expanded access to cutting-edge clinical trials and a significant leap forward in obstetric care for patients throughout Southern California.
The Power of a National Network
Established in 1986, the MFMU Network is a cornerstone of research focused on pregnancy and newborn health. With over 160,000 births occurring annually at participating clinical centers nationwide, the network provides a robust infrastructure for managing and conducting vital obstetric clinical trials funded by the NICHD.
“Joining the MFMU Network is a testament to the power of academic medicine in action,” says Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “By bringing studies closer to home and aligning research with clinical practice, patients and clinicians can produce informed choices sooner – leading to safer pregnancies and healthier newborns.”
Focus Areas: Addressing Critical Challenges in Maternal Health
The expanded network will concentrate research efforts on several critical areas, including maternal mortality, pregnancy and labor complications, postpartum recovery and strategies to reduce prematurity and infant mortality. Clinical trials will as well focus on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications used during pregnancy and lactation.
This is particularly important given recent trends. According to the CDC, the U.S. Maternal mortality rate continues to be a significant concern, disproportionately affecting women of color. Increased research and access to clinical trials are crucial steps toward addressing this disparity.
Building on Past Successes
The MFMU Network has a proven track record of translating research into improved clinical practice. Past trials have led to advancements such as the use of late-preterm steroids to reduce respiratory problems in newborns and the finding that inducing labor at 39 weeks can lower cesarean rates and the incidence of preeclampsia.
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, chair and professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine, emphasizes the impact: “By joining the network, this will impact standard-of-care for pregnant women in the United States and will elevate the level of care provided at UC San Diego Health, especially by providing our patients with greater access to impactful clinical trials offered at a national level.”
West Coast Hub for Maternal-Fetal Research
UC San Diego Health functions as a satellite clinical center of the MFMU Network program at UC San Francisco, making it the sole center of its kind on the West Coast. This strategic positioning ensures that California patients are well-represented in crucial prenatal care research.
Mary Norton, MD, principal investigator of the MFMU Network Center at UC San Francisco, highlights the collaborative spirit: “The involvement of UC San Diego and UC San Francisco in the MFMU Network will assure that patients of California are represented in this important research that impacts prenatal care. Our two institutions have a long history of research collaboration in the area of high-risk obstetrics and this new affiliation will further strengthen that connection.”
Future Trends: Personalized and Proactive Maternal Care
The integration of UC San Diego Health into the MFMU Network signals a broader shift toward more personalized and proactive maternal care. Expect to observe increased emphasis on:
- Precision Medicine: Tailoring treatment plans based on individual genetic and physiological factors.
- Remote Monitoring: Utilizing wearable sensors and telehealth to monitor pregnant individuals remotely, allowing for earlier detection of potential complications.
- Data Analytics: Leveraging big data to identify risk factors and predict adverse outcomes.
- Enhanced Postpartum Care: Expanding research and services focused on the often-overlooked postpartum period, addressing mental health and physical recovery.
FAQ
Q: What is the MFMU Network?
A: The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network is a research network funded by the NICHD that conducts clinical trials focused on pregnancy and newborn health.
Q: What are the benefits of UC San Diego Health joining the network?
A: Expanded access to clinical trials, improved obstetric care, and increased research opportunities for patients in Southern California.
Q: What areas of research will be prioritized?
A: Maternal mortality, pregnancy complications, postpartum recovery, prematurity, and medication safety during pregnancy and lactation.
Q: Where is the MFMU Network located?
A: Participating clinical centers are located across the United States, with UC San Diego Health serving as the West Coast hub.
Did you know? The MFMU Network has been instrumental in identifying key advancements in obstetric care, impacting the lives of countless mothers and newborns.
Pro Tip: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss clinical trial opportunities with your healthcare provider.
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