Acceptability of chorionic villi sampling for prenatal diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Prenatal Diagnostics
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Prenatal diagnosis is crucial for managing pregnancies in advanced maternal age women.
• Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are common prenatal diagnostic procedures.
• Patient choice between CVS and amniocentesis is influenced by various factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing women's choice between first-trimester chorionic villi sampling and second-trimester amniocentesis.
• To understand patient preferences regarding timing, results availability, and procedural risks.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 520 women of advanced maternal age who had previously undergone prenatal diagnosis.
• Participants had delivered a normal infant after amniocentesis.
• The questionnaire assessed attitudes towards both amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling.

Main Results:

• Most women favored chorionic villi sampling for its first-trimester timing (76%), rapid results (72%), and available abortion procedures (68%).
• Amniocentesis was preferred due to its known low risk of spontaneous abortion (76%) and physician skill confidence (56%).
• Overall, 68% chose amniocentesis for low risk, while 32% chose chorionic villi sampling for earlier timing; 87% would switch if CVS risk was comparable to amniocentesis.

Conclusions:

• Patient acceptance of chorionic villi sampling is contingent on demonstrating a low risk of fetal loss, comparable to amniocentesis.
• Timing and rapid results are significant drivers for preferring chorionic villi sampling.
• Risk perception remains a primary factor in the choice of prenatal diagnostic procedures for advanced maternal age women.