[Prognostic value of a single umbilical artery. 87 cases].

Objective: To study the effect of a single umbilical artery on infant prognosis.

Method: Unicentric retrospective case-control study based on 18,425 births and semi-late pregnancy interruptions.

Results: There were 87 cases of single umbilical artery, frequently associated with a familial history of malformation in the sibhood (6.

[Choriocentesis: comparison of the effectiveness of a new choriocentesis needle and a transcervical biopsy forceps].

71 samples taken by the transabdominal route were compared with 71 samples taken by forceps through the cervix. A fine (1 mm) transabdominal choriocentesis needle with a thin wall (0.1 mm), a short bevel, and a lateral hole was made to bring together simplicity, effectiveness and safety; success was obtained in 95% of the cases (39/41) of our last 41 samples on the first attempt.

[t(Y; 15) translocation in a fertile male, detected at the time of amniocentesis].

Cytogenetic studies on a phenotypically normal fertile male revealed an unbalanced Y; 15 translocation. His wife referred for a prenatal diagnosis because of maternal age. The foetus was male and carried the same translocation.