Survey of amniocentesis for fetal sex determination in hemophilia carriers

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Abstract
A study was designed to determine whether there is an increased risk of complications when amniocentesis for fetal sex determination is performed on hemophilia carriers. Questionnaires were sent to 112 medical centers providing this service in the USA and to 19 outside the USA. Only 75 taps (0.64%) were performed for the indication of hemophilia. The frequency of fetal deaths in the general sample (1.84%) was not significantly different from that in the subsample of hemophilia carriers (1.33%). The results of this survey correspond very closely to data from a National Registry on amniocentesis for various indications in such variables as the number of taps needed for diagnosis, color of the fluid obtained and number of dry taps. Carrier women who had bleeding problems during the monitored pregnancy are described. The problems might have been related to the amniocentesis in 3 women. Only 2-4% of hemophilia carrier women who might have amniocentesis are utilizing the service.