ABSTRACT
Objective : To describe our preliminary experiences with cordocentesis at Srinagarind HospitalDesing : A describtive studySetting : Srinagarind HospitalPatients : A total of 10 cases of cordocentesis performed from July 1991 to June 1992Measurements : Cordocentesis (Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling under sonographic guidance) for prenatal diagnosis was performed at 18 to 38 weeks of gestation on an outpatient basis without medication. The most common indication was rapid karyotyping in late pregnancy for fetuses at risk of chromosomal abnormalities.Results : Pure fetal blood was obtained 9 of 10 cases. The complications of the procedures were minimal. The most common complications were bleeding at puncture site and transient bradycardia. The laboratory results were reliable.Conclusion : This method would be useful in prenatal diagnosis and therapy of patients in the northestern region of Thailand especially the fetus at risk of severe thalassemic diseases.