Recent Advances in Maternal–Fetal Medicine

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 688

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: preterm delivery; PPROM; combined tocolytic therapy; iatrogenic preterm delivery; perinatal outcome; maternal nutrition; preterm birth management; ultrasound and preterm delivery; genomics of preterm birth

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in maternal–fetal medicine have significantly enhanced our ability to monitor, diagnose, and manage complex conditions during pregnancy. Innovations in prenatal imaging, non-invasive genetic testing, and fetal therapy have improved outcomes for both mother and fetus. Advances in artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and individualized risk assessment are reshaping prenatal care by enabling earlier interventions and more precise management strategies. In the biggest step forward, artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a transformative role in maternal–fetal medicine, aiding in the early detection of complications, enhancing imaging interpretation, and supporting clinical decision-making through predictive modeling and personalized care pathways.

This Special Issue explores key breakthroughs and ongoing challenges in the field, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice to promote safer pregnancies and healthier births.

We conclude this summary with the hope that this will be an outstanding and highly engaging collection, and we warmly invite contributions in the form of original articles that will help showcase and increase the visibility of research efforts in the field of maternal–fetal medicine.

Dr. Roxana Elena Bohiltea
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • maternal–fetal medicine
  • pregnancy
  • prenatal care

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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19 pages, 1045 KB  
Systematic Review
Heterotopic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Diagnosis, Management and Prognosis
by Maria Sidonia Săndulescu, Andreea Veliscu Carp, Sidonia Cătălina Vrabie, Siminel Anișoara, Anca Vulcănescu, Marin Mihaela, Iliescu Dominic, Ștefan Pătrașcu, Lorena Dijmărescu and Maria Magdalena Manolea
Diagnostics 2025, 15(18), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15182373 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy (HCSP) is an exceptionally rare and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, characterized by the coexistence of a viable intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic implantation within a previous cesarean section scar. Its incidence has risen in recent years, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy (HCSP) is an exceptionally rare and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, characterized by the coexistence of a viable intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic implantation within a previous cesarean section scar. Its incidence has risen in recent years, primarily due to the increased rate of cesarean deliveries and the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of published evidence on HCSP, with a focus on epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, therapeutic strategies, complications, and maternal-fetal outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2025, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Included studies comprised case reports, case series and retrospective reviews documenting confirmed HCSP cases. Data were extracted on clinical presentation, imaging, treatment approaches, outcomes, and complications. Results: Thirty studies reporting 40 confirmed HCSP cases were included. Transvaginal ultrasonography was the primary diagnostic tool, although diagnosis was often delayed by the presence of a viable intrauterine pregnancy. Management strategies included surgical intervention, local medical therapy and conservative approaches or expectant management. Maternal complications included hemorrhage and uterine rupture, while fetal outcomes were variable. In selected cases, intrauterine pregnancy continued to term. Conclusions: HCSP is a rare but high-risk obstetric entity requiring early recognition and multidisciplinary management. Prompt ultrasound-based diagnosis and individualized treatment can significantly reduce maternal morbidity and improve fetal outcomes. Further multicenter studies are warranted to establish standardized diagnostic and management protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maternal–Fetal Medicine)
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