Role of cordocentesis in perinatal medicine.

Cordocentesis is a feasible, reliable, and safe method for fetal evaluation of a wide variety of disorders. It has allowed for in-utero treatment of fetal red cell isoimmunization and opened future routes for other fetal therapies. In this review, results of a multicenter intrauterine fetal blood sampling registry will be presented, outlining current indications, techniques, and complications of the procedure. In addition, current research in the assessment and treatment of fetal erythrocyte isoimmunization and infection, as well as the role of cordocentesis in rapid genetic karyotyping, work-up of non-immune hydrops, fetal platelet abnormalities, and fetal growth restriction will be reviewed. Recent work using cordocentesis to better understand fetal metabolism, endocrinology, and immunology will also be reviewed.