title: Cordocentesis for rapid karyotype: 421 consecutive cases.
abstract: Between October 1985 and December 1993, 421 patients underwent fetal blood sampling for rapid karyotyping (426 samplings, 5 twin pregnancies). The aim of the study was to evaluate cordocentesis in terms of results, complications and additional information in this specific indication especially in case of abnormal pregnancy sonogram. The fetal loss rate possibly related to fetal blood sampling was 1.9%. Abnormal sonograms represented 91% of rapid karyotype indications. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 9.5% of abnormal sonograms and in 16.9% of fetal structural anomalies (37 cases). The commonest chromosomal abnormality was trisomy 21 (11 cases). In conclusion, cordocentesis is a safe and reliable method for rapid karyotyping although it is associated with more risks than in other indications (congenital infections). The high rate of chromosomal abnormalities pleaded for ultrasonographic screening in a population usually not investigated by cytogenetic studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Donner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rypens
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paquet
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Delneste
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Regemorter
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vamos
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Avni
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodesch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics; D017218:Cordocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D004314:Down Syndrome; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal