Professor Lisa Hui MBBS PhD FRANZCOG CMFM
University of Melbourne
Advances in genomic technologies have been the biggest game changer in fetal medicine over the past decade – but these have had relatively less impact for maternal health to date. In this talk, Prof Lisa Hui will discuss two recent changes that bring the practices of reproductive genetics and obstetric medicine closer together.
Firstly, the new MBS item number for genetic reproductive carrier screening has vastly improved the accessibility of screening. Obstetric physicians and MFMs providing pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy counselling should be prepared to discuss and offer reproductive carrier screening with all their patients. Lisa will provide a quick primer on reproductive carrier screening – dos and don’ts for the non-geneticist!
Secondly, the recent government approval of a mitochondrial donation clinical trial will mean that women living with a mitochondrial disorder may start seeking reproductive advice from their local MFM unit. Clinicians who may be involved in the pregnancy care of a person with a mitochondrial disorder should be aware of the reproductive options for these patients, updated guidance on pregnancy management, and recruitment pathways into the MitoHOPE clinical trial.