Why Should CORDOCENTESIS (PUBS) be Performed?
Cordocentesis is the sampling of fetal blood by inserting a needle into the umbilical cord of the fetus at 22-23 weeks of gestation for the late investigation of chromosomal and genetic analysis, fetal infection, fetal anemia, or platelet deficiency. Although it is a slightly more difficult procedure than amniocentesis, its main advantage is that it provides results regarding chromosomal analyzes in a short period of 7-10 days. In addition, it is also used for diseases such as rhesus incompatibility, where the baby's blood count needs to be examined. At a rate of about 1/100, adverse effects such as cardiac arrest and premature birth can be observed.
How is Cordocentesis Performed (PUBS)?
After cleaning the needle puncture site and local anesthesia of the skin under sterile conditions with the guidance of ultrasonography, a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall and uterus of the expectant mother and a fetal blood sample (usually 2-3 ml) is taken from the umbilical cord of the fetus, usually at the point where the umbilical cord exits the placenta or at a free bend of the umbilical cord in the uterus by pricking the umbilical cord. The amount of blood collected may vary depending on the planned tests. A second access and procedure is rarely required. In rare cases where the laboratory does not provide results, the procedure may need to be repeated.
What Can Happen After Cordocentesis?
After an umbilical cord puncture, pregnancy loss can occur in 1-2% of cases. Causes of pregnancy loss include stagnation of blood flow in the umbilical cord, slowing of the baby's heart rate, bleeding in the umbilical cord, leakage of fluid from the hole created by the procedure in the gestational sac, and water from the vagina, and rarely microbes that enter the uterus after the procedure and cause infection in the expectant mother.