Pränatale Medizin

The rapid development from prenatal diagnosis to prenatal medicine has shaken previously established concepts. Terms like "abortion" and "early induction" are beginning to overlap. Although the number of congenital conditions that can be treated prenatally is still very small, the ability to make difficult diagnoses from just a few cells in the first trimester is impressive. It is still too early to determine whether we are on the verge of a shift from amniocentesis to chorionic biopsy. Nevertheless, this development shows how exciting things have progressed. Following the literature, especially the Anglo-American one, and gaining insight into the system there, it becomes clear that a new sub-discipline is emerging alongside feto-maternal medicine with prenatal medicine. This rapid development has not been matched by information in the German-speaking world, as evidenced by the many attendees at relevant continuing education events. In this respect, a competent book on prenatal medicine was long overdue in the German-speaking area. Mr. Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Wolfgang Holzgreve, M. S. (U.S.A.) has made a significant contribution with this book. Few seem as qualified to publish a book on "Prenatal Medicine." After many years of working with Prof. Golbus in San Francisco, Wolfgang Holzgreve has significantly influenced European development through his research work.