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Fetal blood sampling--indication-related losses
A Antsaklis1, G Daskalakis, N Papantoniou
1First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Athens University Medical School, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Greece.
Prenatal Diagnosis
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Fetal blood sampling (FBS) has a low overall fetal loss rate of 2.5%. However, the risk significantly increases for fetuses with structural abnormalities or severe growth retardation, necessitating careful patient counseling.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Prenatal Diagnostics
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Fetal blood sampling (FBS) is a diagnostic procedure used in high-risk pregnancies.
- Understanding procedure-related fetal loss is crucial for informed consent and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the fetal loss rate following fetal blood sampling (FBS).
- To analyze fetal loss rates in relation to the specific indication for FBS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1981 FBS procedures across five indication groups.
- Procedures performed using a free-hand technique under ultrasound guidance.
- Pregnancy losses within two weeks of FBS were classified as procedure-related.
Main Results:
- Overall procedure-related fetal loss was 2.5% (39 out of 1535 continuing pregnancies).
- Loss rates varied significantly by indication: congenital infection (2.9%), haemoglobinopathy (1.6%), normal ultrasound (1%), abnormal ultrasound (13.1%), and severe growth retardation (8.9%).
- Higher fetal loss rates were observed in cases with fetal structural abnormalities or severe growth retardation.
Conclusions:
- FBS carries a significantly higher risk when performed on fetuses with structural abnormalities or severe growth retardation.
- Patient counseling must accurately reflect these indication-specific risks prior to FBS procedures.
- Risk stratification based on indication is essential for optimizing FBS safety and patient management.