Immediate and unexplained fetal death during mid-trimester amniocentesis.
Immediate and unexplained fetal death during mid-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis was found to be an uncommon though real phenomenon. A survey of programmes in the United States detected 5 cases from 7524 at 4 centres. Postmortem examination was not helpful and a neurogenic mechanism is postulated. Awareness of this phenomenon and routine pre- and post-amniocentesis ultrasound monitoring may clarify the actual prevalence and etiology.
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology*; D005318:Fetal Heart; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second