Antenatal Cytogenetic Analysis Using Cordocentesis.

Jun, Jong Kwan; Park, Kyo Hoon; Yoon, Bo Hyun; Moon, Shin Yong; Syn, Hee Chul

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 1997;40(2):286-299.
Published online January 1, 2001.

Antenatal Cytogenetic Analysis Using Cordocentesis.

Jong Kwan Jun, Kyo Hoon Park, Bo Hyun Yoon, Shin Yong Moon, Hee Chul Syn

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Pure fetal blood was obtained by cordocentesis or cardiocentesis guided by USG in 160 fetuses at 15 to 37 weeks' gestation. Only 1 case failed to obtain cytogenetic result. Cytogenetic analysis of fetal lymphocytes yielded results within 5 days. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 21 of 159 fetuses(13.2%). Abnormal karyotypes were found in 19 of 118 fetuses(16.1%) with structural malformations~8.6%(7/81) affected by isolated malformations vs. 32.4%(12/37) affected by multiple malformations. There were 12 cases of bradycardia which was the most common nonfatal complication (7.4%). One fetal death was recorded. Pregnancy outcome is as follows: 17 cases of stillbirth, 38 cases of termination of pregnancy, 15 cases of neonatal death, 5 cases of infantile death, 55 cases of living babies, and 29 cases lost to follow-up. It is concluded that rapid karyotyping by cordocentesis is advisable as effective method in fetuses at high risk of a chromosomal aberration, especially in advanced gestations.

Key Words: Cytogenetic analysis, Karyotyping, Cordocentesis, Congenital anomaly