Population based study of long-term outcomes after amniocentesis

This is the largest study of long term adverse effects on children of amniocentesis with one of the longest periods of follow-up (7-18 years). Consecutive live-born offspring of women who have had amniocentesis were compared with matched controls whose mother had not had amniocentesis. The controls were matched for age of mother, residence, sex, and when the birth occurred. 1296 cases and 3704 controls were studied. The offspring of women who had had amniocentesis were no more likely than controls to have a registerable disability (such as hearing disability, learning difficulty, visual problem, limb anomalies) during childhood and adolescence. The follow up period was 7-18 years. The only significant difference between both groups was the higher rate of haemolytic disease due to ABO iso-immunisation in cases. Let's mention that the potential for iso-immunisation during amniocentesis had already been recognised previously with respect to rhesus compatibility.