title: Septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy following midtrimester genetic amniocentesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Midtrimester genetic amniocentesis is a commonly performed procedure, with acknowledgment of some risk to mother and fetus.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present an unusual case of midtrimester genetic amniocentesis with bowel injury and resulting septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy were required for resolution of sepsis. The patient also required prolonged ventilatory support postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although relatively safe, genetic amniocentesis can result in serious morbidity, and attention to technique should be maintained.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center Boston MA USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Stubblefield
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hamid
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kasznica