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Transcervical chorionic villus sampling beyond 12 weeks of gestation
A Borrell1, D Costa, R D Delgado
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Barcelona Medical School, Catalonia, Spain.
Summary
This study shows transcervical chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is feasible after 12 weeks, achieving high diagnostic success rates. The procedure demonstrated an acceptable pregnancy loss rate, making it a viable option for prenatal diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Genetics
Background:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a common prenatal diagnostic technique.
- Traditionally performed earlier in pregnancy, the feasibility of later CVS is explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of transcervical CVS performed after 12 completed weeks of gestation.
- To compare diagnostic success and pregnancy loss rates with earlier CVS procedures.
Main Methods:
- 335 transcervical CVS procedures were performed between 12 + 1 and 15 + 0 weeks.
- Cases were divided into intermediate (12 + 1–12 + 6 weeks) and late (13 + 0–15 + 0 weeks) subgroups.
- Results were compared to a historical series of early (8 + 0–12 + 0 weeks) transcervical CVS.
Main Results:
- Successful diagnosis was achieved in 97.3% of cases.
- Diagnostic success rates were comparable between early, intermediate, and late CVS groups.
- Procedure success improved significantly over time within the study group (90% to 98.9%).
- Fetal demise occurred in 1.5% of cases; spontaneous loss rate up to 28 weeks was 3.1%.
Conclusions:
- Transcervical CVS is feasible and effective when performed after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- The diagnostic success rate is satisfactory, and the pregnancy loss rate is acceptable.
- No cases of transverse limb reduction defects were observed in this later gestational CVS group.