Rapid Chromosome Analysis and Prenatal Diagnosis Using Fluid from the Cystic Hygroma, Hydrothorax and Isolated Ascites: New Source for Chromosome Analysis

Objective: To determine whether abnormally collected fetal body fluid could be used as alternative cell sources for cytogenetic assessment. Method: Using modified lymphocyte culture, the abnormal fetal body fluids obtained from the five fetal anomaly cases (3 cystic hygromas, 1 hydrothorax, and 1 isolated ascites) were analyzed in order to determine their karyotypes. Results: Two cases showed 45, X and 46, XX/45, X and the other three showed a normal karyotype. Conclusion: The cytogenetic analysis from body fluid aspiration yields a rapid and accurate result within 96 hours. This method could be helpful when cordocentesis or placental biopsy is not feasible or when time requirement for amniotic fluid cell culture is burdensome to patient management.