Genetic amniocentesis: a risk factor for preterm delivery?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether genetic amniocentesis performed in the second trimester of pregnancy is associated with the risk of preterm delivery.


METHODS
Case-control study performed in several departments of obstetrics and gynaecology of nine European countries. Three thousand and ninety-one preterm births and 5298 controls randomly selected from singleton births born at term during 1994-1997 were analysed. Logistic regression models were used to compare preterm births altogether and, separately, spontaneous preterm delivery and induced preterm delivery.


RESULTS
An increased risk of preterm delivery was found in women having second trimester genetic amniocentesis after taking account of other risk factors and confounding variables (odds ratios (OR)=1.59, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.31-1.92). The association was statistically significant and similar for spontaneous preterm delivery and induced preterm delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
The study shows an association between preterm delivery and genetic amniocentesis. In view of the wide use of amniocentesis, further research on the etiologic role of this prenatal diagnostic technique is needed.
Medda
Emanuela
E
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy. emedda@iss.it
Donati
Serena
S
Spinelli
Angela
A
Di Renzo
Gian Carlo
GC
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007621:Karyotyping; D016015:Logistic Models; D008423:Maternal Age; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012307:Risk Factors