The impact of rapid aneuploidy detection (RAD) in addition to karyotyping versus karyotyping on maternal quality of life

Prenat Diagn. 2010 May;30(5):425-33. doi: 10.1002/pd.2486.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of rapid aneuploidy detection (RAD) combined with fetal karyotyping versus karyotyping only on maternal anxiety and health-related quality of life.

Methods: Women choosing to undergo amniocentesis were selected into group 1, i.e. receiving a karyotype result only (n = 132) or to group 2, i.e. receiving both the result of RAD and karyotyping (n = 181).

Results: There were no systematic differences in time of RAD combined with karyotyping versus karyotyping only in terms of anxiety (P = 0.91), generic physical health (P = 0.76, P = 0.46), generic mental health (P = 0.52, P = 0.72), personal perceived control (P = 0.91) and stress (P = 0.13). RAD combined with karyotyping reduced anxiety and stress two weeks earlier compared to karyotyping only.

Conclusion: RAD as add-on to karyotyping reduces anxiety and stress in the short term but it does not influence overall anxiety, stress, personal perceived control, and generic mental and physical health when compared to a karyotype-only strategy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amniocentesis / psychology
  • Aneuploidy*
  • Anxiety*
  • DNA Probes
  • Down Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / psychology*
  • Quality of Life*

Substances

  • DNA Probes