Genetic amniocentesis in biamniotic twin pregnancies by a single transabdominal insertion of the needle.

We present a technique to aspirate amniotic fluid from both sacs in biamniotic twin pregnancies using a single abdominal insertion with a spinal needle. It was successful in 48 out of 55 cases of biamniotic twin pregnancies referred to our perinatal unit between 1985 and 1994. The single insertion technique was used when the inter-amniotic membrane was clearly evident and two separate free amniotic fluid pools could be reached by the operator with a single puncture.

Genetic amniocentesis: 505 cases performed before the sixteenth week of gestation.

Between May 1987 and November 1988, 505 early amniocentesis within the 15th week of gestation were performed at the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'L. Mangiagalli' of the University of Milan and at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of 'Gaslini' hospital in Genoa. A total number of ten abnormal fetal karyotypes were diagnosed.

Trisomic 22 placenta in a case of severe intrauterine growth retardation.

We describe a case in which a trisomic 22 placenta could be the cause of severe growth retardation in a chromosomally normal female fetus. At amniocentesis a mosaic 46,XX/47,XX, +22 was observed in amniotic fluid specimens sampled on two different occasions, while fetal blood from a diagnostic cordocentesis revealed a normal chromosome constitution. Postnatal studies showed the consistent presence of trisomic 22 cells in the placenta, while only normal metaphases were found in amnion, blood, and fibroblast cultures.

Serum levels of immunoreactive trypsin during development: comparison with levels of lipase and amylase.

In order to obtain additional information on serum pancreatic enzyme levels during development, we have measured immunoreactive trypsin (IRT), immunoreactive lipase (IRL), and total amylase in paired fetal and maternal sera. Samples were obtained during early gestation (14-21 week of gestation) and at the time of normal delivery. IRT levels were lower in maternal sera as compared to paired fetal and neonatal (p less than 0.