Like Mother, Like Child: A KANET Analysis on Intrauterine Life

INTRODUCTION

The overall control system of any pregnancy is a big challenge. The condition of the mother and the fetus are one relative category that is essentially related to a dynamic process over 9 months. The development of ultrasound devices represents a major step forward in the field of diagnostic procedures that help to recognize certain pathological events at the fetal level in time. By analyzing fetal anatomical structures, it broadens perspectives on the prognosis of proper fetal development. The introduction of three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasound procedures enhances the complete impression of the fetal status. The Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test (KANET) has become a standard procedure in the assessment of fetal neurobehavior. The conclusions obtained by the KANET test are of inestimable importance for perinatologists, neuropediatricians, and for parents of children in whom there are suspicions of certain pathological events in the context of neuromuscular development in utero.^1–3 By careful analysis of fetal structures, movements, and reactions, images can be obtained that arise even greater motivation in physicians to investigate fetal neurobehavior.^4,5

CASE DESCRIPTION

Pictures of the fetus were taken in the 29th week of gestation (Figs 1 to 3) in a pregnancy burdened with the mother’s urological problems but with a normal KANET score. Figures open new perspectives and certain questions to which is hard to find adequate answers. In the conversation with the baby’s parents, we got the information that the shown position of the fetus is a frequent characteristic position of his mother in moments of deep thinking. A picture is worth a thousand words, so we will leave the commentary to the general professional public.

DISCUSSION

The KANET test deepened perinatal diagnostic procedures and resolved numerous doubts related to the occurrence of later problems that occur in the neonatal period and childhood. For perinatologists, it is of great importance to signal certain suspicions of neuromotor problems of the fetus and timely observation of neuropediatricians. It is very important to avoid accusations that some problems developed intrapartum. We hope that this shown, unborn baby will have a good perspective in every respect according to his concentrated view in the distance and good KANET assessment.

REFERENCES

1. Kurjak A, Antsaklis P, Stanojevic M, et al. Multicentric studies of the fetal neurobehavior by KANET test. J Perinat Med 2017;45(6):717–727. DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2016-0409.

2. Moreira Neto R, Porovic S. Clinical study of fetal neurobehavior by the KANET test. J Perinat Med 2018;46(6):631–639. DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2016-0414.

3. Kurjak A, Miskovic B, Andonotopo W, et al. How useful is 3D and 4D ultrasound in perinatal medicine? J Perinat Med 2007;35(1):10–27. DOI: 10.1515/JPM.2007.002.

4. Kurjak A, Carrera J, Stanojevic M, et al. The role of 4D sonography in the neurological assessment of early human development. Ultrasound Rev Obstet Gynecol 2004;4(3):148–152. DOI: 10.3109/14722240400017075.

5. Kurjak A, Stanojević M, Predojević M, et al. Neurobehavior in fetal life. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2012;17(6):319–323. DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2012.06.005.