A decade of mid-trimester amniocentesis in Johannesburg. Prenatal diagnosis, problems and counselling.
Selected data from 4,554 cases of amniocentesis performed in Johannesburg over a decade are presented. The demand for the service increased fivefold over the 10 years. The indications were: chromosome defects (83%), neural tube defects (11%), other disorders (4%) and parental anxiety (2%). A correct prenatal diagnosis was made in 99.9% of cases and sexing was correct in 99.6% of cases. Abnormalities were detected in 3.2% of pregnancies. The rate of 'spontaneous' abortion within 1 week after amniocentesis was 0.7%, and the total 16-28-week fetal loss rate is not much increased over the risk for such an event in any second-trimester pregnancy. The procedure has become a safe and a successful one in expert hands.
Kromberg
J G
JG
Department of Human Genetics, South African Institute for Medical Research, Johannesburg.
Bernstein
R
R
Jacobson
M J
MJ
Rosendorff
J
J
Jenkins
T
T
D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis; D013019:South Africa