Children whose mothers had second trimester amniocentesis: Follow up at school age

Objective To explore potential long term consequences of second trimester amniocentesis. Design Children exposed to second trimester amniocentesis have been followed prospectively from birth to school age and compared with children whose mothers declined the test. Setting The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Sample Eighty-six children exposed to amniocentesis and 44 children whose mothers declined the test. Interventions Second trimester amniocentesis for the late maternal age indication. Main outcome measures Standardised tests of intelligence, academic achievement, speech articulation, visual-perceptual-motor ability and fine motor coordination were administered. Parents reported on child behaviour using standardised measures of behaviour problems, social competence, hyperactivity and temperament. Physical growth was also measured, and parents reported on child health. Results Group differences were not observed. Conclusions Second trimester amniocentesis does not appear to compromise child development, behaviour, growth or health.