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Am J Perinatol 1991; 8(1): 68-70
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999345
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1991 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Role of Amniotic Fluid Cytogenetic Analysis in the Evaluation of Recent Fetal Death

Kim Brady, Patrick Duff, Frederick E. Harlass, Steven Reid
  • Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, and the Cytogenetics Laboratory, Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Chromosome abnormalities may be present in approximately 10% of cases of fetal death. Because of cell maceration and autolysis, the likelihood of successful karyotype analysis of fetal tissue varies inversely with the time between fetal death and delivery. In an attempt to reduce the influence of these postmortem changes, we obtained amniotic fluid cells for cytogenetic studies from 12 fetuses as soon as possible after the diagnosis of fetal death was confirmed. We also obtained fetal tissue for cell culture in ten of the cases immediately following evacuation of the uterus. Cell culture was successful in 11 of 12 amniotic fluid specimens and in only one often fetal tissue specimens (p < 0.001). Since the results of cytogenetic studies are of such importance in counseling patients regarding recurrence risk for fetal death, we recommend that amniotic fluid cells be obtained for karyotype analysis at the time of diagnosis of fetal death rather than awaiting delivery of a potentially macerated and autolyzed fetus.

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