Factors associated with fetal losses after mid-trimester amniocentesis

Kim, Gwang Jun; Kim, Yong Yook; Kim, Suk Young; Park, Chan Yong; Lee, Hyang Mi; Whang, Byung Chul; Lee, Sun; Kim, Young Jin; Choi, Seung Hun; Lee, Soon Pyo; Lee, Jong Min; Lee, Jee Sung; Yang, Seong Hee; Choi, Yu Duk

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors associated with fetal losses following mid-trimester diagnostic amniocentesis.
METHODS
412 pregnancy outcomes following amniocentesis were analyzed for each variables(maternal age, gestational age, indication for the amniocentesis, placental penetration by aspiration needle, needle touch by the fetus, color of amniotic fluid) with statistical methods(student t-test, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression test).
RESULTS
Mean maternal age was 31.8+/-4.9 years, fetal loss rate was increased slightly with the age of the mother. If the indications were abnormally high maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level, the pregnancy courses after the procedure were worse than other indication groups. In cases of discolored amniotic fluid, the dark brown discoloration made the pregnancy outcome poor. Gestational age at the time of the procedure, penetration of the placenta by the aspirating needle, needle touch during the procedure by the fetus, did not influence the outcomes after the procedure.
CONCLUSION
Maternal age, indication as neural tube defect in triple test and dark brown discoloration of amniotic fluid are associated with fetal losses following mid-trimester diagnostic amniocentesis.