Cordocentesis: overall pregnancy loss rate as important as procedure loss rate

A 4-year retrospective review of cordocentesis at a single center with four operators identified 182 patients undergoing 214 cordocenteses. The major indications were chromosomal, fetal platelet and rhesus evaluation. The procedure was successful in 95%. A positive genetic diagnosis was present in 18% with 64% having trisomy 18, 21 or 13. The procedural pregnancy loss rate was 3.25, 1.25 and 2.75% for chromosomal and nonchromosomal indications and total population, respectively. The overall fetal loss rate (procedural, nonprocedural) in chromosomal risk population was 47%. This overall pregnancy loss risk should be included in patient counselling.