Feasibility of Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Samplings in the Pregnant Baboon: A Model for Studies on Transplacental Transport

Abstract

Objective: A study was conducted to test the feasibility of cordocenteses and amniocenteses at different gestational ages in pregnant baboons. Study Design: Experiments were performed in 10 pregnant baboons at a median gestational age of 131 (range 92-169) days. At different time intervals, percutaneous samplings of amniotic fluid and fetal blood were performed under ultrasound guidance. Simultaneously, maternal blood samples were drawn. Results: With a median fetal weight of 431 g (range 111-690 g), 29 of 30 cordocenteses (96.6%) and all 30 amniocenteses and maternal samplings (100%) were successful in obtaining the required quantities for analysis. One cordocentesis was abandoned because of insufficient visualization of the umbilical cord due to a placental haemorrhage. Conclusion: Percutaneous amniocentesis and cordocentesis can be performed with a high success rate in the pregnant baboon model. In combination with a 100% success rate in obtaining simultaneous maternal blood samples, this method is able to provide data on transplacental transport.

Keywords

Amniocentesis cordocentesis baboon transplacental transfer.

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