Prenatal Genetic and Metabolic Testing and Screening
Unborn babies with congenital anomalies have an increased risk for an underlying genetic syndrome . That ’ s why genetic counseling is a part of all new patient visits at the Colorado Fetal Care Center . Our genetic counselors work with families and the care team to order and interpret genetic testing when a genetic syndrome may be a possibility .
Patients who deliver a baby with a known genetic disorder can follow up with pediatric genetics shortly after delivery , while still in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit . From there , Children ’ s Colorado offers an array of clinics devoted to specific genetic syndromes , including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome , Down syndrome , sex chromosome aneuploidies , neurogenetics , pediatric genetics , skeletal dysplasia and many others . Many of these clinics provide prenatal consults , offering a seamless transition between pre- and postnatal care .
We offer all available genetic testing options , from routine screening to complex diagnostic chromosomal microarray and syndrome-specific sequencing panels . We also have embraced new technology such as prenatal whole exome sequencing and genome-wide cfDNA screening , as well as cfDNA screening for single gene disorders .
Screening tests
• cfDNA
• Common aneuploidies
• Genome-wide
• Single gene disorders
• Carrier screening
• Cystic fibrosis
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Fragile X syndrome
• Expanded carrier screening
10 | Colorado Fetal Care Center
Fetal Cardiology
And Top-Ranked Heart Institute
Our Fetal Cardiology Program offers comprehensive care for congenital defects and other abnormalities affecting
the cardiovascular system, both in utero and after birth. Via Telemedicine and our Fetal Echo Preceptorship
Program, we work with regional centers to deliver cutting-edge care to families from many miles away, allowing
patients to stay close to home throughout their pregnancy.
After birth, newborns get immediate access to the most advanced care for congenital heart defects from our Heart
Institute, ranked #6 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and our Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, which consistently
posts some of the best outcomes in the nation.
Cardiac surgery: neonatal and infant survival (July 2015 - June 2019)
Higher is better
Age Total
patients Observed
survival rate
Children’s Colorado Expected
survival rate
Children’s Colorado Children’s Colorado
adjusted survival
(95% confidence
interval) National
adjusted
survival (STS)
Newborns 338 93% 93.2% 92.5% 92.2%
Newborns
+ infants 831 95.5% 95.6% 95.5% 95.6%
Stat 5 newborn survival (July 2015 - June 2019)
18
91.5% 85.3%
Children’s
Colorado National
(STS)
| Colorado Fetal Care Center
6.2% higher survival at
Children’s Colorado than
the national average
15,000+ 94% 400+
Fetal echocardiograms
since 2012 CICU patient
satisfaction rate in 2020 CHD deliveries since 2012
2020 Overview and Outcomes |
19