Feasibility of ultrasound-guided percutaneous samplings in the pregnant baboon: a model for studies on transplacental transport.
OBJECTIVE
A study was conducted to test the feasibility of cordocenteses and amniocenteses at different gestational ages in pregnant baboons.


METHODS
Experiments were performed in 10 pregnant baboons at a median gestational age of 131 (range 92-169) days. At different time intervals, percutaneous samplings of amniotic fluid and fetal blood were performed under ultrasound guidance. Simultaneously, maternal blood samples were drawn.


RESULTS
With a median fetal weight of 431 g (range 111-690 g), 29 of 30 cordocenteses (96.6%) and all 30 amniocenteses and maternal samplings (100%) were successful in obtaining the required quantities for analysis. One cordocentesis was abandoned because of insufficient visualization of the umbilical cord due to a placental haemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous amniocentesis and cordocentesis can be performed with a high success rate in the pregnant baboon model. In combination with a 100% success rate in obtaining simultaneous maternal blood samples, this method is able to provide data on transplacental transport.
Van Calsteren
Kristel
K
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
Devlieger
Roland
R
De Catte
Luc
L
D'Hooghe
Thomas
T
Chai
Daniel C
DC
Mwenda
Jason M
JM
Vergote
Ignace
I
Amant
Frédéric
F
D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000379:methods*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001724:Birth Weight; D017218:Cordocentesis / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005865:Gestational Age; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D023421:Models, Animal; D048530:Papio anubis; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents