P253: Middle cerebral artery Doppler assessment of fetal anemia in the surviving co-twin after laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and GynecologyPoster abstracts (P = 0.11). The mean duration of sampling was 144 ± 188 sec with a 22 G needle versus 144 ± 120 sec with a 23 G needle (P = 0.99). No significant differences were noted in sampling time between the two needle types. Four of the six operators showed a clear learning curve with shorter sampling times with increasing number of procedures.Conclusion: This experimental study shows that the use of a 23 G echo-tip  needle compared to a 22 G needle was not associated with significantly different procedure duration or defect size, therefore not supporting the claimed advantages of this more expensive needle. Objective: To evaluate whether ultrasound screening during pregnancy increases the ability to stop or reduce smoking. Methods: This multicenter questionnaire study was performed to describe smoking characteristics among pregnant women and evaluate the factors that influence the ability to reduce smoking during pregnancy. The ultrasound screening was examine as one factor. Women were interviewed within 2 days after deliverance in the maternity units on smoking habits before and during pregnancy. Each maternity was visited only once. The study was conducted during May and June 2002 in multiple practices in 4 French regions: Nord-Pas de Calais, Languedoc-Roussillon, HauteNormandie and Ile de France. Only two investigators interviewed consenting patients, both were tabacologists. Results: 979 women delivered were asked to participate. Three hundred three women (31%) were smoking regularly before pregnancy. Nearly all (98%) of them tried to change their smoking habits. More than one third (38.0%) of women reported that ultrasound was a positive tool to enhance motivation to reduce smoking. Ultrasound screening may be a positive factor to reduce smoking. However most women who stop smoking during pregnancy do so in the first trimester (84%) mainly before the first ultrasound exam. Thus, the routine ultrasound scan itself does not seem to influence attitudes to stop smoking any further. Conclusion: Ultrasound screening during pregnancy is a tool which may be included in comprehensive and individualized anti smoking support. P252 P252aOutcome of amniocentesis performed in a Perinatology Unit over 5 years L. Onderoglu, O. Deren, B. Saygan-Karamursel, A. B. Savas-Alparslan, A. Kizilkilic-Parlakgumus, T. Durukan and E. Tuncbilek Hacettepe University Hospital, TurkeyObjective: To investigate the indications, results and fetal loss rates of amniocentesis performed at a Perinatology Unit during 1998-2002. Methods: Amniocentesis records from January 1998 to July 2002 were retrospectively reviewed from a computer based system at the Perinatology Unit. Patient records at the Genetic Unit were reviewed for karyotype results. All of the patients who did not deliver at our hospital were called by telephone to learn about the pregnancy outcome. Results: A total of 1837 amniocentesis procedures were performed. The most common indication was advanced maternal age...