Does amniocentesis increase the rates of fetal loss and poor pregnancy outcomes?

Abstract

AimTo evaluate the risk of fetal loss and poor pregnancy outcomes as-sociated with amniocentesis procedures on patients in our clinic in the last 5 years.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted by examining the hospital records and genetic centre records of 387 pa-tients who underwent amniocentesis at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Kahramanmaraş Sütçü Imam University Medical Faculty between January 2011 and July 2015. A control group was formed of 250 low-risk patients who attended the clinic and did not have amniocentesis applied.ResultsThroughout the study period there were 688 patients with an indica-tion for amniocentesis. Of these, amniocentesis was applied to 387 patients and 43.8% refused the amniocentesis. The most common amniocentesis indication was the scanning test for Downs syndrome (57.6%) followed by older maternal age (22.5%). Of the patients who underwent amniocentesis, chromosomal abnormality was determined in 24 (6.2%), the most common of which was Downs syndrome (54%). Fetal loss following amniocentesis was seen in 2 patients (0.5%). When the total poor pregnancy outcomes were examined, a poor outcome was determined in 8 of the amniocentesis group and in 5 of the control group and the difference beween the 2 groups was not statistically significant (p=0.263).ConclusionAmniocentesis is an invasive prenatal test in frequent current use. No increase in pregnancy complica-tions was observed associated with the procedure. Before the application of amniocentesis, the patient must be given detailed information about the procedure and the outcomes.

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