[Genetic amniocentesis in the II Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Warsaw].

OBJECTIVE

Characteristic of patients, indications, outcomes and complications of genetic amniocentesis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 420 women who underwent genetics amniocentesis from January 1999 to 2001. It was done by ultrasound-guided insertion of a 22-gauge needle from 12 to 19 week's gestation. From 9 ml to 24 ml of amniotic fluid were removed for cytogenic analysis.

RESULTS

The mean maternal age was 37.6 +/- 4 years. The mean gestational age of amniocentesis was 14.2 +/- 1.2 weeks. 416 (99%) women were in singleton pregnancy, 3 (0.7%) in twin pregnancy and one (0.2%) in triplet pregnancy. The most common indication for amniocentesis was maternal age over 35 years (366 cases - 87%). Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 23 cases (5.5%). Any neural tube defects were observed. In 6 (1.4%) cases the cell culture of amniotic fluid was unsuccessful and procedure was repeated. 2 (0.4%) women lost pregnancy during 7 days after procedure. 4 patients (0.9%) had amniotic fluid leakage, of which no ended in fetal loss. 1 (0.2%) had pain in hypogastrium after amniocentesis, all delivered at term.

CONCLUSIONS

The pregnancy loss rate in women who underwent genetics amniocentesis was 0.4%. The most common indication for genetic amniocentesis was maternal age over 35 years. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 5.4% of the fetuses.