CHILDREN WHOSE MOTHERS HAD 2ND-TRIMESTER AMNIOCENTESIS - FOLLOW-UP ATSCHOOL-AGE

Objective To explore potential long term consequences of second trimes ter amniocentesis. Design Children exposed to second trimester amnioce ntesis have been followed prospectively from birth to school age and c ompared with children whose mothers declined the test. Setting The Hos pital for Sick Children, Toronto. Sample Eighty-six children exposed t o amniocentesis and 44 children whose mothers declined the test. Inter ventions Second trimester amniocentesis for the late maternal age indi cation. Main outcome measures Standardised tests of intelligence, acad emic achievement, speech articulation, visual-perceptual-motor ability and fine motor coordination were administered. Parents reported on ch ild behaviour using standardised measures of behaviour problems, socia l competence, hyperactivity and temperament. Physical growth was also measured, and parents reported on child health. Results Group differen ces were not observed. Conclusions Second trimester amniocentesis does not appear to compromise child development, behaviour, growth or heal th.