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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Safety of fetal blood sampling by cordocentesis in fetuses with single umbilical arteries
Sherif A Abdel-Fattah1, Jose L Bartha, Phillipa M Kyle
1Fetal Medicine Research Unit, University of Bristol, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, UK. sherif.abdel-fattah@bristol.ac.uk
Objectives:
To examine the safety of cordocentesis in fetuses with single umbilical arteries.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of all cases of cordocenteses in fetuses with single umbilical arteries over a five-year period at one centre. We analysed the records for pregnancy details, outcomes, and procedure-related complications, and compared these to similar data for cordocenteses procedures performed, during the same period, for similar indications in fetuses with three-vessel cords.
Results:
Twenty-nine eligible cases were identified. All procedures were performed for the indication of fetal structural abnormalities, and seven fetuses (24%) had abnormal karyotypes. The median gestational age at the time of the procedure was 21 weeks (range 19-34 weeks). There were no procedure-related fetal losses but the umbilical artery was inadvertently punctured in one case, resulting in prolonged bradycardia with spontaneous recovery. These outcomes compare favourably to those of a total of 134 cordocenteses procedures in fetuses with three-vessel cords.
Conclusion:
Cordocentesis in cases with single umbilical arteries does not appear to carry more risk than in cases with three-vessel cord, and should continue to be performed by adequately trained specialists when indicated. Extra care should be undertaken to avoid puncturing the umbilical artery.
