Review of chorionic Villus sampling in prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

Advances in biotechnology with the introduction of the ultrasound scan and the application of polymerase chain reaction has made fetal medicine an interesting field of study. The fetus can now be easily assessed and its genetic constitution determined with relative ease and degree of accuracy, in the process referred to as prenatal diagnosis.

Invasive prenatal diagnosis continues to be gold standard in pregnancies at increased risk of congenital abnormalities with chorionic villus sampling being one of the principal methods of prenatal diagnosis. Although not widely available in most developing countries, chorionic villus sampling is the procedure of choice for prenatal diagnosis with the principal advantage over others, of its being done in the first trimester. This review summarized the historical perspective, timing , route and methodology of sampling, looks at the complications and draw backs of the procedure and also examines the controversial aspects of the procedure. Its utilization is advocated in developing countries.

KEY WORDS: Prenatal diagnosis (PND), Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[Nig J Clinical Practice Vol.5(1) 2002: 45-51]