The effect of chorionic villus sampling on fetal heart rate.
OBJECTIVE
Fetal heart rate (FHR) variation during chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a controversial topic. Limited studies have been published on this subject. Our study intended to evaluate the effects of CVS on the FHR.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty-five patients undergoing first-trimester elective CVS for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia were entered into a prospective study. M-mode FHR was obtained before and immediately after CVS in the patients. Potentially confounding variables also recorded included: gestational age, number of needle passes and placental location.


RESULTS
FHR values before and after CVS were compared using the paired t test and showed no statistically significant differences by 95% confidence. No differences were found in data analyzing gestational age, number of needle passes or placental location.


CONCLUSIONS
We were unable to detect any significant change in FHR after performing CVS. It seems that FHR is generally not altered by CVS.
Akhlaghpoor
Shahram
S
Novin Medical Radiation Institute, Tehran, Iran. Shahram_ak@yahoo.com
Hosseinipoor
Taraneh
T
D015193:Chorionic Villi Sampling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis