Uterine fibroids and risk for complications following second-trimester amniocentesis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the abortion rate and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) after amniocentesis in women who have undergone antibiotic prophylaxis with uterine fibroids and control.

Study design: Retrospective study using the Antibiotic Prophylaxis before Second-Trimester Genetic Amniocentesis trial database carried out between January 1999 and December 2005 at the Artemisia Fetal-Maternal Medical Center (Rome, Italy). All women underwent antibiotic prophylaxis before amniocentesis. A follow-up within 4 weeks from the procedure was available.

Results: A total of 2,497 of 21,219 (11.8%) women with uterine fibroids were identified. The rate of abortion was 2 of 2,497 (0.08%) in women with fibroids and 4 of 18,722 (0.03%) in women without fibroids (p = 0.42). The rate of PPROM was 4 of 2,497 (0.16%) in women with fibroids and 10 of 18,722 (0.05%) in women without fibroids (p = 0.12).

Conclusion: The risk for abortion and PPROM does not increase in the presence of uterine fibroids in women who have undergone antibiotic prophylaxis.