Children whose mothers had second trimester amniocentesis: follow up at school age.
OBJECTIVE
To explore potential long term consequences of second trimester amniocentesis.


METHODS
Children exposed to second trimester amniocentesis have been followed prospectively from birth to school age and compared with children whose mothers declined the test.


METHODS
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.


METHODS
Eighty-six children exposed to amniocentesis and 44 children whose mothers declined the test.


METHODS
Second trimester amniocentesis for the late maternal age indication.


METHODS
Standardised tests of intelligence, academic achievement, speech articulation, visual-perceptual-motor ability and fine motor coordination were administered. Parents reported on child behaviour using standardised measures of behaviour problems, social competence, hyperactivity and temperament. Physical growth was also measured, and parents reported on child health.


RESULTS
Group differences were not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Second trimester amniocentesis does not appear to compromise child development, behaviour, growth or health.
Finegan
J A
JA
Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Sitarenios
G
G
Bolan
P L
PL
Sarabura
A D
AD
D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000209:etiology; D007360:Intelligence; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology