ABSTRACT
Objective: Amniocentesis is an invasive cytogenic
test traditionally associated with a 1/200
procedure–related pregnancy loss rate. Recent
studies have questioned the validity of the traditionally
stated rate. The purpose of this study
was to document the results of second-trimester
genetic amniocentesis performed at our perinatalogy
clinic. Study Design: A retrospective
review of all the amniocentesis procedures performed
between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation
on singleton pregnancies between May 2004
and December 2008 was performed. Spontaneous
loss was defined as any unintentional pregnancy
loss at < 24 weeks of gestation. Setting:
Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Population: Pregnant women followed at
the Obstetrics Department. Methods: A retrospective
review of all the amniocentesis procedures
performed between May 2004 and December
2008 was performed. Main outcome
measure: Pregnancy loss due to amniocentesis.
Results: A total of 447 amniocentesis procedures
were performed during the study period.
The major indication for amniocentesis was
positive maternal triple screening (44%). The
mean gestational age at amniocentesis was
18.80 ± 2.70 weeks. The results of cytogenetic
analyses revealed an abnormal karyotype in 19
pregnancies (4.3%), nine of which were trisomy
21. The overall spontaneous loss rate was
0.89% (n = 4). Conclusion: It would be useful for
each center to investigate its own pregnancy
loss rate and thereby provide a firmer basis for
its policy for counseling women requesting
amniocentesis. If enough such investigations
were reported, a true benchmark figure could
also emerge.