Chorionic Villus Sampling Complications in Prenatal Diagnosis of Thalassemia Major

Background/Objective: Early diagnosis of thalassemia with chorionic villus sampling has an important role in fetal evaluation. Because of the increasing risk of fetal loss and other probable risks, it seems there are some considerations about the safety of this method. Since different studies have mentioned variable complications of this method for the mother and her fetus and also the fact that this information is limited in most areas of our country, this study was performed to compare the complications of this procedure with other reports. Patients and Methods: This prospective case series study was performed in the chorionic villus sampling (CVS) center of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences from October 2003 till July 2006. One-hundred thirty seven patients who were referred to this center were sampled and examined by sonography regarding early complications of CVS in mothers and fetuses and deformities in their neonates. Results: The most common early complication of CVS was subchorionic hematoma (6.5%), of which one case finally resulted in placenta abruption and abortion. The fetal loss rate after CVS was the same as the abortion rate following subchorionic hematoma. In this study, we did not find any chorioamnionitis, oligohydramnios and fetal loss during the sampling. Furthermore, in the follow up control of their neonates, there were neither limb deficiency and oromandibular defects nor cutaneous hemangioma. Conclusion: Results show that minor complications of CVS such as subchorionic hematoma can be dangerous and may increase the risk of fetal loss. In addition, this study agrees that sampling after 10 weeks of pregnancy on the hands of an expert is a safe procedure.