Diagnostic amniocentesis is one of the most useful technique for the prenatal detection of genetic disorders. Traditionally standard amniocentesis has been most commonly performed during the 2nd trimester from 16 to 20 weeks` gestation. Our laboratory has received 1,284 midtrimester amniotic fluid specimens during the past 5 year period for cytogenetic analysis and 1,274 were successfully cultured and yielded results. This study was based on data from 1,274 genetic amniocentesis performed at CHA General Hospital from Jan. 1991 to Dec. 1995. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 61(4.8%) of the cases. There were 23 cases of aneuploidy, 37 cases of chromosomal rearrangemen t and 1 case of mosaicism.
Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid ; Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Female ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Mosaicism ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second* ; Prenatal Diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Because conventional echocardiographic parameters have several limitations, strain echocardiography has often been introduced in clinical practice. However, there are also obstacles in using it in clinical practice. Therefore, we wanted to find the current status of awareness on using strain echocardiography in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey to evaluate current use and awareness of strain echocardiography from the members of the Korean Society of Echocardiography. RESULTS: We gathered total 321 questionnaires from 25 cardiology centers in Korea. All participants were able to perform or interpret echocardiographic examinations. All participating institutions performed strain echocardiography. Most of our study participants (97%) were aware of speckle tracking echocardiography and 185 (58%) performed it for clinical and research purposes. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was the most commonly used modality and left ventricle (LV) was the most commonly used cardiac chamber (99%) for clinical purposes. Most of the participants (89%) did not think LV strain can replace LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in their clinical practice. The common reasons for not performing routine use of strain echocardiography was diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference value. Many participants had a favorable view of the future of strain echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Most of our study participants were aware of strain echocardiography, and all institutions performed strain echocardiography for clinical and research purposes. However, they did not think the LV strain values could replace LVEF. The diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference values were common reasons for not using strain echocardiography in clinical practice.
Cardiology ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Ventricles ; Korea* ; Reference Values