Cordocentesis for Antenatal Diagnosis: Clinical Analysis of 154 Procedures

Chae, N H; Kim, E S; Ryu, H M; Kim, M Y; Kim, H S; Yang, K M; Kim, D O; Choi, S K; Han, H W

Abstract

Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling under ultrasound guide to obtain fetal blood were performed in 154 fetuses between 19 and 38 weeks` gestation at Samsung Cheil hospital and women`s healthcare center from April 1994 to May 1997. Indications of sampling were rapid fetal karyotyping in 121 cases and diagnosis of fetal rubella infection in 33 cases. Pure fetal blood was successfully obtained in 153 cases among 154 procedures (99.4%). The first attempt was successful in 142 cases (92.2%) and 11 cases succeeded within second attempt. In a case of failure, fetal blood was obtained by fetal hepatic vein pucture. Puncturing was done at the placental insertion of cord (88.7%) and at floating cord (11.7%). Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 16 of 121 fetuses (13.2%). An abnormal chromosome pattern was established in 19/50 cases (18%) of structural anomalies: 6.7% (2/30) with a single structural anomaly and 35% (7/20) with multiple structural anomalies. The complications found in these pregnancies were 8 cases (5.2%): 3 cases of fetal bradycardia, 2 cases of preterm labor, 1 case of premature rupture of membranes, 2 cases of intrauterine fetal death. In conclusion, cordocentesis is very effective and safe method in prenatal diagnosis.