ROLE OF CORDOCENTESIS IN PERINATAL MEDICINE

Cordocentesis is a feasible, reliable, and safe method for fetal evalu ation of a wide variety of disorders. It has allowed for in-utero trea tment of fetal red cell isoimmunization and opened future routes for o ther fetal therapies. In this review, results of a multicenter intraut erine fetal blood sampling registry will be presented, outlining curre nt indications, techniques, and complications of the procedure. In add ition, current research in the assessment and treatment of fetal eryth rocyte isoimmunization and infection, as well as the role of cordocent esis in rapid genetic karyotyping. work-up of non-immune hydrops, feta l platelet abnormalities, and fetal growth restriction will be reviewe d. Recent work using cordocentesis to better understand fetal metaboli sm, endocrinology, and immunology will also be reviewed.