Outcome of second trimester amniocentesis in twin pregnancies at Songklanagarind Hospital.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcome of genetic amniocentesis in twin gestations at Songklanagarind Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was a descriptive study that included all women with twin pregnancies who had a second trimester amniocentesis for chromosome study at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Songklanagarind Hospital from January 1998 through June 2006 to assess the outcome including risk of fetal loss in such cases. RESULTS Advanced maternal age was the most common indication for amniocentesis. The success rate of cell culture was 100%. The fetal loss within 14 days after the procedure was 1.4%. CONCLUSION The tendency of fetal loss after amniocentesis in twin pregnancies was higher than in singletons. Pre-procedure counseling personnel should be aware of this potential outcome, and be sure to inform the involved parents prior to the procedure.