[Genetic amniocentesis--characteristic of patients, indications, outcomes, complications]

The indications, outcomes and complications of genetic amniocentesis in a group of 358 women were undeped. The most frequent indication for amniocentesis was maternal age over 35 years. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 21 cases (5.8%)--most of them were chromosomal inversions. There were no neural tube defects. In 6 (1.6%) cases the cell culture of amniotic fluid was unsuccessful. The level of alpha-fetoprotein was lower in fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities. 2 (0.5%) patients lost pregnancy after procedure, 4 (1.1%) had amniotic fluid leakage and 1 (0.2%) had pain in hypogastrium after amniocentesis.