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Published on: September 9, 2012

High prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation in mothers of premature neonates

E Erhardt1, J Stankovics, D Molnár

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Medical School of Pécs, Hungary. erhardte@apacs.pote.hu

Biology of the Neonate
|September 6, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The Leiden mutation is more prevalent in mothers of premature infants (18%) than in those with growth-retarded neonates (7.2%). This finding suggests a potential link between the Leiden mutation and premature birth, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Genetics
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • The Leiden mutation, a common genetic risk factor for thrombosis, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Premature birth and intrauterine growth retardation are significant neonatal health concerns with multifactorial causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of the Leiden mutation in mothers of premature infants and neonates with intrauterine growth retardation.
  • To compare these prevalences with that of the general Hungarian population.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping for the Leiden mutation was performed on two groups of mothers: 50 mothers of premature infants and 56 mothers of intrauterine-growth-retarded neonates.
  • Prevalence data were compared statistically with a control group of healthy Hungarian subjects.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of the Leiden mutation was 18% in mothers of premature infants.
  • The prevalence was 7.2% in mothers of growth-retarded neonates.
  • The prevalence in mothers of premature infants was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the healthy Hungarian population (6.3%).

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests a potential, previously unrecognized association between the Leiden mutation and premature birth.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm this relationship and elucidate its clinical significance.

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