Fetal Karyotyping (amniocentesis or chorion villous sampling )
What is it?
Fetal karyotyping is obtained with percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis) or chorion villous sampling (CVS). Both procedures are invasive diagnostic sampling obtaining fetal/placental tissue and enabling to achieve the fetal karyotype and genetic studies. Both amniocentesis and CVS present a risk of miscarriage related to the procedure of less than 1%.
When is this exam indicated?
Fetal karyotyping is indicated in case of high-risk for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such as in case of fetal malformations or soft markers. Amniocentesis is carried out at 16 weeks or more and CVS at 11 weeks or more.
How is it performed?
After skin disinfection a simple needle enters maternal abdomen acquiring amniotic fluid or placental trissue under continuous ultrasound guidance. The procedure duration is about 1 minute and local anestetic to the abdominal wall can be used, if required. After the procedure fetal wellbeing is checked by ultrasound.
Contraindications
Maternal infections controindicate chorion villous sampling; thretened miscarriage or vaginal bleeding generally controindicate both invasive procedures.
Where do we treat it?
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