Preliminary Experiences with Cordocentesis at Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Objective       : To describe our preliminary experiences with cordocentesis at Srinagarind Hospital

Desing          : A describtive study

Setting          : Srinagarind Hospital

Patients                  : A total of 10 cases of cordocentesis performed from July 1991 to June 1992

Measurements         : Cordocentesis (Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling under sonographic guidance) for

prenatal diagnosis was performed at 18 to 38 weeks of gestation on an outpatient basis

without medication. The most common indication was rapid karyotyping in late pregnancy

for fetuses at risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Results          : Pure fetal blood was obtained 9 of 10 cases. The complications of the procedures were

minimal. The most common complications were bleeding at puncture site and transient

bradycardia. The laboratory results were reliable.

Conclusion     : This method would be useful in prenatal diagnosis and therapy of patients in the

northestern region of Thailand especially the fetus at risk of severe thalassemic diseases.