Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities

Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities can be performed on three different samples; chorion villi (CVS), amniotic fluid (AFS) and fetal blood (FBS). We are presenting data from our own experience on the chromosome analysis of 957 CVS, 1000 AFS and 927 FBS. A total of 69 chromosome abnormalities have been detected in the CVS, 38 in the AFS and 115 in the FBS. The type of abnormalities and their frequencies are compared between the three sampling methods. Our findings are in agreement with published data, and the higher incidence of chromosomal aberrations in the FBS group reflect the greater efficiency with which aneuploidies associated with more severe congenital malformation can be detected by ultrasound.