The yield and complications of amniocentesis performed after 24 weeks of gestation

This study assessed the use and complications of late amniocentesis (AC) and analyzed factors that affect complication rate.

A retrospective analysis of 167 genetic AC performed after 24 weeks during a 10-year period in two medical centers was conducted. Data regarding the indications for AC, genetic work-up, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved from patient medical records and telephone-based questionnaires.

Mean gestational age (GA) at the time of AC was 31.7 ± 2.7 weeks; 104 procedures were performed at ≤32 weeks, including 24 at ≤30 weeks. The overall pregnancy complication rate occurring at any time after the procedure was 6.6% (11). Of these, 4.8% (8) occurred within a month after AC, including 2.4% (4) that occurred within a week. An additional three occurred after 30 days. There were no differences in the total complication rate and in the rate of specific complications of procedures performed at ≤32 weeks or at ≤30 weeks. Maternal age did not affect outcomes. Genetic testing was abnormal in five cases (3%). Amniocyte culture failed in 3 cases (2.3%), with no technical failures in 52 chromosomal microarray tests.

The complication rate of AC performed after 24 weeks was 4.8%, which is significantly higher than that of second trimester AC. GA and maternal age did not affect the complication rate.