Comparative analysis of the application with the combination of CMA and karyotype in routine and late amniocentesis

This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies.

Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18–23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24–32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA.

Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down’s screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA.

Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18–23 weeks of gestation and 24–32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter.