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Fetal DNA in maternal circulation of first-trimester spontaneous abortions
J Skinner1, K Luettich, M Ring
1The Coombe Women's Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Objective:
To establish whether fetal DNA can be identified in the maternal circulation in first-trimester spontaneous abortions.
Methods:
Women with confirmed spontaneous abortions and no histories of previous pregnancy were recruited. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained and DNA extracted. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was done using SRY and beta-actin systems for calculating fetal and total DNA, respectively.
Results:
Of 25 women, SRY-specific signals were detected in 11 indicating that the abortions were male. The remaining 14 were negative for the SRY gene. Women with positive results were of similar gestational age to those who were negative (mean 68.4 and 69.0 days). Fetal:total DNA ratio was calculated for positive samples and ranged from 15.8 to 360.1 x 10(+3). Mean ratio was 99.4 x 10(+3) and median was 67.5 x 10(+3).
Conclusion:
Fetal DNA is present in the maternal circulation of first-trimester spontaneous abortions.