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Published on: June 29, 2013
Use of a Maternal Genetic Risk Score to Derive and Test a Genetically Customized Fetal Growth Curve
Merry Joseph1, Lisa Pappas1, Rafael Guerrero1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Intermountain Health, and the Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; the Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia.
A maternal genetic risk score for birth weight improved fetal growth model fit but did not enhance the identification of perinatal morbidity. This genetic customization offers better fetal growth prediction but doesn't improve clinical outcomes detection.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Perinatal Health
Background:
- Accurate fetal growth assessment is crucial for identifying at-risk pregnancies.
- Current fetal growth curves may not fully account for genetic influences on birth weight.
- Maternal genetic factors play a role in fetal development and birth weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a maternal genetic risk score for birth weight (GRSBW) can improve fetal growth curve models.
- To determine if genetically customized growth curves enhance the identification of perinatal morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort with ultrasound and maternal genotype data.
- Developed a standard and a genetically customized fetal growth model using GRSBW.
- Compared model fit (AIC) and ability to identify composite perinatal morbidity (AUROC) in training and testing cohorts.
Main Results:
- The genetically customized model showed significantly better fit (lower AIC, P=.04) compared to the standard model.
- GRSBW was associated with fetal weight in the genetically customized model.
- The customized model did not improve the identification of composite perinatal morbidity (AUROC 0.56 for both models).
Conclusions:
- Maternal GRSBW improves the statistical fit of fetal growth models.
- Genetic customization of fetal growth curves does not currently enhance the clinical prediction of perinatal morbidity.
- Further research may explore incorporating genetic information for improved perinatal risk assessment.
