Related Experiment Videos
First-trimester genetic diagnosis in multiple pregnancy: principles and potential pitfalls
B Brambati1, L Tului, A Lanzani
1First Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Milan, Italy.
Prenatal Diagnosis
|October 1, 1991
Summary
First-trimester genetic diagnosis in multiple pregnancies requires careful consideration to prevent errors. Diagnostic errors in dichorionic twins occurred in 5.5% of cases, highlighting the need for confirmatory amniocentesis when results are ambiguous.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Prenatal Diagnostics
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiple pregnancies present unique challenges for first-trimester genetic diagnosis.
- Accurate genetic information is crucial for informed reproductive decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles and considerations for first-trimester genetic diagnosis in multiple pregnancies.
- To report on diagnostic accuracy and potential pitfalls in twin gestations.
Main Methods:
- Review of experience in 65 twin and 1 quadruplet cases undergoing first-trimester genetic diagnosis.
- Sonographic identification of dichorionic twins.
- Comparison of transabdominal and transcervical chorionic tissue sampling.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic error occurred in 5.5% (3/54) of dichorionic twin cases due to erroneous sampling.
- Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling was generally preferred over transcervical.
- Like-sex dichorionic twins posed a diagnostic challenge.
Conclusions:
- First-trimester genetic diagnosis in multiple pregnancies necessitates meticulous technique to minimize errors.
- Confirmatory amniocentesis is recommended for like-sex dichorionic twins when chorionic tissue results are indeterminate.