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Risk of third-trimester amniocentesis: a case-control study
Jonathan G Hodor1, Sarah H Poggi, Catherine Y Spong
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, 3PHC, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
American Journal of Perinatology
|April 6, 2006
Summary
Third-trimester amniocentesis poses minimal risk. This study found no increased obstetric complications within 48 hours for patients undergoing amniocentesis compared to controls, suggesting safety for fetal lung maturity assessment.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Third-trimester amniocentesis is performed for fetal lung maturity assessment.
- Previous risk data primarily relies on case series.
- A robust case-control study was needed to evaluate procedural risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine adverse obstetric outcomes associated with third-trimester amniocentesis.
- To compare complication rates between women undergoing amniocentesis and those undergoing only antepartum testing.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study matched 167 women undergoing amniocentesis (>32 weeks) with controls receiving antepartum testing.
- Outcomes assessed within 48 hours included urgent delivery, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), perinatal death, or low Apgar score.
- Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test and Student T-test (P < 0.05 significant).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in gestational age or maternal age between groups.
- The composite outcome of obstetric complications occurred in 0 of 167 cases versus 1 of 167 controls within 48 hours.
- No statistically significant increase in adverse events was observed in the amniocentesis group.
Conclusions:
- Third-trimester amniocentesis is not associated with an increased risk of immediate obstetric complications.
- The procedure appears safe when performed for fetal lung maturity assessment.
- Findings support the minimal risk profile of third-trimester amniocentesis.