More chorionic villi obtained at a single center compared to previously published reports

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Prenatal Diagnostics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a key prenatal diagnostic technique.
• Standardization of CVS techniques and operator variability can impact sample yield.
• Comparing transabdominal (TA) and transcervical (TC) approaches is crucial for optimizing sample collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the quantity of villi obtained via TA and TC CVS.
• To evaluate the institution's CVS villi yield against published data.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of singleton pregnancies undergoing CVS between 2009-2011.
• TA CVS utilized a 20-gauge spinal needle; TC CVS used a 1.4-mm suction catheter.
• Quantification of villi and blood contamination in milligrams; statistical analysis performed using STATA.

Main Results:

• TC CVS yielded a higher median amount of villi (50 mg) compared to TA CVS (36 mg) (p=0.002).
• TC CVS samples showed significantly greater blood contamination (median 10 mg) than TA CVS samples (median 5 mg) (p<0.0001).
• Villi yield at this institution was significantly higher than previously reported for both TC (p=0.0001) and TA (p<0.0001) approaches.

Conclusions:

• Transcervical CVS provides a greater quantity of villi than the transabdominal approach.
• Both methods consistently yield sufficient villi for direct genetic testing.
• The institution's higher-than-reported villi yield warrants further investigation into factors influencing sample collection and potential correlations with pregnancy outcomes.