title: Fetomaternal bleeding following diagnostic amniocentesis.
abstract: The frequency of diagnostic amniocentesis is increasing. Fetal bleeding and trauma have long been recognized to be complications of amniocentesis. For detection of fetomaternal bleeding, efficacy of modified Kleihauer-Betke staining and alpha-fetoprotein elevation in maternal blood was assessed. Preamniocentesis ultrasound scanning was found useful in reducing the incidence of fetomaternal bleeding and bloody taps. Elevation of alpha-fetoprotein was found to be a more sensitive indicator of fetomaternal bleeding than was modified Kleihauer-Betke staining. The use of alpha-fetoprotein to detect fetomaternal bleeding associated with amniocentesis is suggested for the identification of Rh-negative patients requiring anti-D gamma-globulin to prevent sensitization.
mesh_terms: D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins