Obstetrical outcomes following amniocentesis performed after 24weeks of gestation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

To evaluate obstetrical outcomes for women having late amniocentesis (on or after 24weeks). Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 1st, 2023. The obstetrical outcomes evaluated were gestational age at delivery, preterm birth (PTB)<37weeks, PTB within 1week from amniocentesis, premature prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM), chorionamnionitis, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and termination of pregnancy (TOP). The incidence of PTB <37weeks was 4.85% (95% CI 3.48-6.56), while the incidence of PTB within 1week was 1.42% (95% CI 0.66-2.45). The rate of pPROM was 2.85% (95% CI 1.21-3.32). The incidence of placental abruption was 0.91% (95% CI 0.16-2.25), while the rate of IUFD was 3.66% (95% CI 0.00-14.04). The rate of women who underwent TOP was 6.37% (95%CI 1.05-15.72). When comparing amniocentesis performed before or after 32weeks, the incidence of PTB within 1week was 1.48% (95% CI 0.42-3.19) and 2.38% (95% CI 0.40-5.95). Amniocentesis performed late after 24weeks of gestation is an acceptable option for patients needing prenatal diagnosis in later gestation.