Chorionic villus sampling in a high‐risk population— 4 years' experience

Between August 1982 and July 1986 a total of 163 pregnancies in 136 patients with a high genetic risk have had prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling. Villi were not obtained in five pregnancies (two of which subsequently miscarried), and 11 fetal losses followed successful sampling (four in pregnancies in which the fetus was shown to be affected). The rate of fetal loss fell with increasing experience of the team. Three sets of twins were all sampled successfully.