[Cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis]

Cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis was being performed in the seventies during the process of fetoscopy. Since then the technique has been used as a diagnostic tool for intrauterine infection, hematological and metabolic disorders and metabolic status of the fetus; and for rapid cytogenic analysis. We report our first 207 cordocenteses performed since December 1985. First puncture was successful in half the cases. The procedure resulted in termination of pregnancy in only 0.96% of cases. Though a new technique, cordocentesis is playing a major role in modern perinatology. The possibility of a direct route to fetal blood vessels early in pregnancy would lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.