Factors affecting the decision regarding amniocentesis in women at genetic risk because of age 35 years or older

To evaluate the effects of anamnestic factors and sonographic findings on the patient's decision regarding amniocentesis in a cohort of women at genetic risk because of advanced age.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of anamnestic factors and sonographic findings on the patient's decision regarding amniocentesis in a cohort of women at genetic risk because of advanced age. Methods: All women 35 years of age or older registered for prenatal care between January 1990 and December 1998 were asked about their attitude towards genetic amniocentesis during the course of individual genetic counseling and once again after ultrasound examination inclusive of markers of aneuploidies (nuchal fold thickness greater than 6 mm, renal pyelectasis, choroid plexus cysts, and hyperechogenic bowel). Their attitudes towards genetic amniocentesis before and after ultrasound examination were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and logistic regression analysis, with a two-tailed p < 0.05 or an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) not inclusive of the unity considered significant. Results: Among the 1486 women in the cohort, 1368 (97%) expres...