Rescheduling genetic amniocentesis from the 16th to the 13th/14th week of pregnancy--report of experience

Abstract

At the ob/gy department of the Innsbruck University routine, genetic amniocentesis has been offered from the 13/14 week of gestation since 1991. In 1991 44.5% of all amniocenteses were performed as early amniocentesis, it rose in 1992 to 61.5%, the rest being performed in the 16th week of gestation. In a total of 346 genetic amniocenteses, 8 pathological karyotypes were obtained (six trisomies, one 47 XXY, one marker chromosome), six from samples obtained at early amniocentesis and two obtained at the 16th week. Three weeks following the procedure, a spontaneous abortion rate of 0.87% occurred. Cultivation took 1-2 days longer with samples from early amniocentesis than with samples collected at the 16th week. In two cases the cultures failed and a repeat procedure had to be performed at the 16th week. With early amniocentesis performed at week 13/14 results are known of gestation. The long period of anxiety, which many women see as a serious disadvantage of amniocentesis is thus significantly reduced.