Second Trimester Amniocentesis Is Not a Risk Factor for Very Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight
2011

Amniocentesis and Birth Weight Risks

Sample size: 4877 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Vincenzo Mazza, Mariangela Pati, Emma Bertucci, Carlotta Cani, Silvia Latella, Giancarlo Gargano, Antonio Percesepe, Annibale Volpe

Primary Institution: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Hypothesis

Does second trimester amniocentesis increase the risk of very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW)?

Conclusion

The study found no significant increase in the risk of VLBW and ELBW associated with second trimester amniocentesis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The odds ratios for VLBW and ELBW did not show any statistically significant risk.
  • The study included a large sample size of 4,877 women undergoing amniocentesis.
  • The control group consisted of 37,642 women who delivered without undergoing amniocentesis.

Takeaway

This study shows that having an amniocentesis in the second trimester doesn't make babies more likely to be very small at birth.

Methodology

The study analyzed records of 4,877 women who underwent amniocentesis and compared outcomes with a control group of 37,642 women who did not undergo the procedure.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from excluding women who underwent amniocentesis elsewhere.

Limitations

The study only included Caucasian women and may not be generalizable to other populations.

Participant Demographics

Caucasian women with singleton pregnancies.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

VLBW: 0.72–1.54; ELBW: 0.7–1.95

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.5402/2011/313206

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication