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Need for urgent delivery after third-trimester amniocentesis.
C M Stark1, R S Smith, R M Lagrandeur
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073-6769, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Urgent delivery after third-trimester amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity assessment is rare, occurring in 0.7% of cases. The risks of this procedure should be carefully considered against its benefits.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Assessment
Background:
- Third-trimester amniocentesis is utilized to assess fetal lung maturity.
- Ultrasound guidance is the standard method for performing this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of urgent delivery necessitated by complications following third-trimester amniocentesis.
- To evaluate the safety profile of ultrasound-guided amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity assessment.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of ultrasound records for 913 third-trimester amniocenteses performed between 1990 and 1997.
- Data collected included gestational age, indication, needle details, and fluid characteristics.
- Primary outcome: procedure-related complications requiring urgent delivery.
Main Results:
- A 0.7% incidence of complications requiring urgent delivery was observed (6/913 cases).
- Complications included fetal heart rate abnormalities, placental bleeding, abruptio placentae, and uterine rupture.
- Hyaline membrane disease occurred in 14 neonates, irrespective of lung maturity indices.
Conclusions:
- Complications necessitating urgent delivery after third-trimester amniocentesis are infrequent.
- The benefits of amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity assessment must be weighed against its potential risks.