Natanya “Nikki” Fleming
CAPSTONE
Capstone Project Committee: Jessica Hooks, M.S., CGC, Saju Joy, M.D., Courtney Stephenson, M.D., Randi Stewart, M.S., CGC, Scott Richter, Ph.D.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a problem of unequal sharing of placental supply in monochorionic twins, often leading to fetal demise. Research on TTTS is well-represented in the scientific literature, but individualized, optimal treatment protocols have yet to be determined. In order to have the most successful neonatal outcomes, it is important to determine what presenting information will lead to the best treatment decision. Once identified, this data must be easily organized, stored, and retrieved in order to be shared within and between fetal care centers. Thus, a database consisting of theory- and research-driven data points that predict staging and intervention, diagnosis, and ultimate outcome of the disease is a necessary development in learning more about treatment for TTTS. This study is a methodical and systematic meta-synthesis of relevant research articles about TTTS to identify data points recommended for inclusion in a TTTS database. These data points were included in a survey sent to all NSGC members to confirm the accuracy and reliability of these factors based on the experience of other fetal therapy experts. Results noted many fetal care centers have databases, but almost 90% believed standardized data points would be helpful. The data also noted inconsistencies and non-consensus between genetic counselors’ responses and the literature review in respect to which data points would be most relevant to include in a database for patients with TTTS. This further emphasizes the need for standardized data points based in primary literature among fetal care centers for patients with TTTS. Suggestions for database construction are discussed. Standardizing databases as such between TTTS centers may help to answer research questions effectively and efficiently in the future.
Since Graduation
I’m currently working almost full-time as a GC independent contractor for three companies doing all variety of things in the field. Two of my contracts involve working closely with UNC-G grads, in fact! I counsel patients remotely, help with medical writing and editing for living genetic reports, and do research for women’s health. I’m also a team lead for more than 10 genetic counselors (also contractors) and help support them in their work. I continue to love what I do and who I work with.
As far as personal updates, I bought a house in Colorado with my partner and his kids at the beginning of the pandemic. We live at the foothills of some amazing mountains, and every day I am thankful for the beauty around us and having each other (and a wonderful community) during this crazy time.