title: Maternal death after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report a maternal death after a second-trimester amniocentesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  An uncomplicated amniocentesis was performed using sterile technique and ultrasound guidance. A refrigerated amniotic fluid specimen demonstrated negative leukocyte esterase activity, negative Gram stain for bacteria and white blood cells, and normal glucose and interleukin-6. The patient died from Escherichia coli sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation 40 hours after the amniocentesis. The autopsy showed normal- appearing needle entries into the skin and uterus without evidence of bowel adhesion or a needle track through the bowel.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genetic counselors and obstetric care providers should be aware of potential serious maternal morbidity and mortality that may occur subsequent to uncomplicated amniocentesis.
authors.affiliation: Regional Perinatal Center, Sacred Heart Women's Hospital, Pensacola, USA.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thorp
authors.forename: Andrew W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Helfgott
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Andrea N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Minyard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index