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Chorioamniotic separation after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis: importance and frequency
D Levine1, P W Callen, S G Pender
1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Radiology
|October 14, 1998
Summary
Chorioamniotic separation (CAS) is common after genetic amniocentesis but usually mild. Complete CAS is rare, and this study found no significant link between CAS and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Diagnostic imaging
- Prenatal diagnosis
Background:
- Chorioamniotic separation (CAS) is a potential complication following invasive prenatal procedures.
- The frequency and clinical significance of CAS after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical importance of chorioamniotic separation (CAS) after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis.
Main Methods:
- Part 1: Retrospective review of ultrasonography (US) databases for CAS cases.
- Part 2: Prospective study of 388 women undergoing amniocentesis with US assessment for CAS at 15 minutes and/or 2 weeks post-procedure. A control group of 363 women without membrane assessment was included.
Main Results:
- Retrospective review identified seven cases of complete CAS, associated with adverse outcomes including fetal deaths and preterm deliveries.
- Prospective assessment found CAS in 25% of women, with no association between CAS and procedural variables.
- No significant difference in maternal or fetal morbidity was observed between women with and without CAS, or between study and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Mild degrees of chorioamniotic separation are frequently detected after amniocentesis when specifically evaluated.
- Complete CAS is infrequent, and current evidence suggests it does not significantly increase morbidity in the studied population.