Safety of amniocentesis in normal pregnancies and pregnancies considered high-risk due to fetal genetic anomalies – an observational study

Abstract

Safety of amniocentesis in normal pregnancies and pregnancies considered high-risk due to fetal genetic anomalies – an observational study W. Homola1, M. Zimmer1 1Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław (Poland) Summary Purpose: To evaluate the effect of clinical and demographic factors on the further course of pregnancy and post-procedure complications in healthy and high-risk pregnancies. Materials and Methods: Data of 230 amniocenteses with normal (n=174) and abnormal genetic findings (n=56) were collected retrospectively. Details of birth, neonatal condition, patient characteristics, and post-procedure complications were analysed. Results: The mean maternal age at amniocentesis was 34.50 ± 5 years-old. One hundred (43.48%) were followed by at least one complication. Fetal death occurred after 11 (4.78%) procedures including seven with genetic disorders. There was no significant difference in complication rates between study groups, except for fetal death, which was significantly more common in high-risk pregnancies (p = 0.0017). Abdominal pain correlated with pyrexia and vaginal bleeding. Conclusion: The most severe complications were associated with fetal genetic disorders. The authors conclude that amniocentesis is a safe procedure; however, significant correlations between the incidence of certain complications may be relevant in planning antenatal care. Key words: Amniocentesis; Adverse effects; Congenital abnormalities; Prenatal care; Prenatal diagnosis.