Ultrasonography-guided amniocentesis in singleton pregnancies: a review of the first 1,000 cases

To assess factors that might influence the success rate, safety and reliability of amniocentesis.

A retrospective study analyzing of the outcome of the first 1,000 cases of amniocenteses.

The outpatient clinic of prenatal diagnosis and therapy laboratory of a University tertiary care centre.

A review of the first 1,000 amniocentesis procedures performed at the Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy Centre is presented. Medical records were reviewed for maternal age, indication, color of amniotic fluid, gestational age, frequency of needle insertion, complications of amniocentesis, pre delivery results of prenatal testing and pregnancy outcome. Complete follow-up data were available for 968 (96.8%), and in 42 cases reports were not complete.

There were 21 miscarriages before 28 weeks of gestation (2.2%), three losses after 28 weeks (0.3%) and six stillbirths (0.6%) (4 due to infections) resulting in a total post procedural loss rate of 3.1% (30). Miscarriage within two weeks of amniocentesis occurred in six patients (0.62%).

Amniocentesis is a relatively safe and reliable method of prenatal diagnosis. It must be done by experienced personnel.