Outcome of second trimester amniocentesis in singleton pregnancy at Songklanagarind Hospital

To evaluate the outcome of genetic amniocentesis in singleton gestation at Songklanagarind Hospital.

This was a descriptive study that included all singleton pregnant women who had a second trimester amniocentesis for chromosome studies at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Songklanagarind Hospital between January 1998 and 2006 to assess the outcome including risk of fetal loss in such cases.

Advanced maternal age was the most common indication for amniocentesis. Amniocentesis after positive screening aneuploidy test increased. The fetal loss within 14 days after the procedure was 0.12% (10/8,073). Leakage of amniotic fluid occurred 0.1% (5/8,073) but only one case aborted. Fever occurred in two cases and a case of chorioamnionitis was diagnosed.

The rate of fetal loss within 14 days after amniocentesis in singleton pregnant women was lower than the authors' previous 10 years. The anxiety of the family and difficulty of counseling to the family will be reduced because of a lower complication rate. Moreover the pregnant women who have a high degree of anxiety for genetic abnormalities are a likely choice for genetic amniocentesis if the risk rate regarding the patient's age, ultrasonographic finding, or maternal serum screening is around 0.1%.