Maternal Risk Factors and Their Effect on Outcome and Procedure-Related Complications in Cordocentesis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Cordocentesis is used in clinical situations in which lower-risk diagnostic procedures do not deliver the desired results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk for procedure-related complications and fetal loss in correlation to maternal risk factors. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective study investigating the complications, risk factors and perinatal outcome of diagnostic cordocentesis between 1998 and 2019 in three different centers. Results: A total of 1806 cordocenteses were performed and procedure-related complications (IUFD within 48 h, contractions, bradycardia, unsuccessful puncture, chorioamniotic separation) were noted in 1.6% of cases. Fetuses with chromosomal aberrations, intrauterine growth restriction and hydropic fetuses had a significantly higher rate of fetal loss compared to other indications. Fetal blood sampling (FBS) performed before 17+0 weeks of gestation was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related complications. Maternal BMI >= 40 increased the risk for fetal loss, whereas maternal age, number of previous miscarriages, number of previous abortions, history of vaginal bleeding or nicotine abuse did not affect the risk for complications or overall fetal loss rate. Conclusions: In the hands of experienced operators, FBS is a safe way to further fetal diagnostics, and the risk of complications is low.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the risk for procedure-related complications and fetal loss in correlation to maternal risk factors in the context of cordocentesis. The results demonstrate that cordocentesis is a safe way to further fetal diagnostics when performed by experienced operators, with a low risk of complications.