title: A comparison of cordocentesis outcomes between early and conventional procedures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare procedural outcomes between early cordocentesis (16-17 weeks) and those at 18-22 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective database of cordocentesis was assessed. The eligible criteria included are (1) singleton pregnancy; (2) no fetal abnormalities; (3) gestational age of 16-22 weeks and (4) procedures performed by experienced operators. The procedures performed during 16-17 weeks were defined as early cordocentesis (Study group). The Control group (conventional cordocentesis; 18-22 weeks) were selected by matching maternal age and years of procedures, with a ratio of 1:3.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 2942 eligible procedures, 103 procedures were undertaken during 16-17 weeks and 309 matched controls were selected. Baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. Time used to complete the procedure was significantly longer in Study group (8.45 ± 9.91 vs. 6.07 ± 6.63 min; p value 0.007). Similarly, rate of difficult procedures was significantly higher in Study group (7.8 vs. 2.3%; p value 0.011). However, rates of fetal loss, low birth weight infants and preterm births were not significantly different, but there was a tendency to be higher in Study group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early cordocentesis is more difficult but relatively safe when performed by experienced hands, although it has a tendency to increase rates of adverse outcomes. This information may be helpful in counseling the couples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wirawit
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Piyamongkol
authors.forename: Chanane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wanapirak
authors.forename: Supatra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sirichotiyakul
authors.forename: Kasemsri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Srisupundit
authors.forename: Theera
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tongsong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017218:Cordocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second / Q000502:physiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult