Maternal morbidity following routine second trimester genetic amniocentesis

Two cases of septic complications of routine second trimester amniocentesis are presented. The first case is a 37-year-old gravida suffering from ulcerative colitis who was admitted for amniocentesis in the 18th week of her third pregnancy. An uncomplicated transabdominal amniocentesis was performed using a sterile technique and ultrasound guidance. Twenty-eight hours later the patient had a septic abortion and sepsis. The second case is a 34-year-old gravida in the 24th week of her pregnancy who was admitted with amnionitis 10 h after an uncomplicated amniocentesis, and subsequently had a septic abortion. A high index of suspicion and rapid intervention were crucial in both cases. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.