oxytocin and Metabolism--Inborn-Errors

In 3400 midtrimester amniocenteses, 68 fetuses had abnormal findings. Three women elected to continue their pregnancies and the remainder chose terminations. Of these, 29 were cared for in our hospitals. Pregnancy termination was carried out in gestations averaging 21.6 +/- 2.3 weeks and fetal weights averaging 531 +/- 351 g. Three prostaglandins techniques were used, two of which proved to be effective. Dosages employed were comparable to those used in early second trimester pregnancy terminations. Side effects were similar; one retained placenta occurred. We have used a multidisciplinary counseling approach for these couples and have restricted ourselves to the medical aspects of their problems. Techniques are described for the psychologic support of the couple during this stressful period.

Topics: Abortion, Induced; Amniocentesis; Chromosome Aberrations; Chromosome Disorders; Female; Genetic Counseling; Humans; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Oxytocin; Pessaries; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prostaglandins E; Prostaglandins F; Ultrasonography

Topics: Animals; Biological Assay; Diabetes Insipidus; Female; Hypothalamus; In Vitro Techniques; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Muscle, Smooth; Oxytocin; Pituitary Gland, Posterior; Rats; Rodent Diseases; Urine; Uterus; Vasopressins; Water-Electrolyte Balance