Diagnostic Tests for Chromosomal Anomalies

RCOG Green Top Guideline no. 8 - Amniocentesis
http://www.rcog.org.uk/guidelines.asp?PageID=106&GuidelineID=2
Evidence based guideline detailing the complications, procedure and training requirements of amniocentesis.

Alfirevic Z, Gosden CM, Neilson JP
Chorion villus sampling versus amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis (Cochrane Review)
In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002. Oxford: Update Software, Abstract

A review of 3 studies involving over 9000 women concluded that the pregnancy loss rate following CVS was greater than second trimester amniocentesis.

Alfirevic Z
Early amniocentesis versus transabdominal chorion villus sampling for prenatal diagnosis (Cochrane Review)
In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002. Oxford: Update Software, Abstract

Early (<14 weeks) amniocentesis was associated with a greater miscarriage rate and incidence of neonatal talipes than CVS. However it had less technical difficulties.

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