Paulo Roberto Nassar de Carvalho is a surgeon who is pioneering new methods of addressing neurological issues in fetuses through endoscopic procedures, which are associated with lower risks. He earned his medical degree from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in child and women’s health from the Fernandes Figueira Institute (FIOCRUZ), where he also completed his doctorate. He undertook his post-doctoral internship at the University of Southern California in the United States.
Paulo Roberto Nassar de Carvalho
Life Sciences
Projects
Fetoscopic Intervention for Enhanced Neurological Outcomes in Neural Tube Defects
Science / Life Sciences
In Brazil, neural tube defects (NTDs) pose a significant public health challenge, with prevalence rates varying from 1.3 cases per birth in São José dos Campos, SP, to 5 cases per birth in Recife, PE. NTDs can lead to severe neurological outcomes for both the fetus and the newborn, including paraplegia, intestinal and urinary dysfunction, hydrocephalus, and developmental neurological abnormalities. Historically, postnatal surgical intervention has been the standard treatment, but it has been deemed less effective than prenatal correction of the defect, which appears to enhance the neurological prognosis for affected individuals. Open fetal surgery has been employed to treat human fetuses with NTDs. However, the invasive nature of this procedure is linked to high maternal-fetal morbidity. Therefore, developing a new, minimally invasive surgical technique, such as endoscopic surgery, is desirable. This approach could potentially reduce risks for both the mother and the fetus.
Amount invested
Grant Serrapilheira: R$ 100,000.00
