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Blood transferrin receptor expression in chromosomally abnormal fetuses
B Thilaganathan1, N J Meher-Homji, K H Nicolaides
1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College School of Medicine, London, U.K.
Prenatal Diagnosis
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Chromosomally abnormal fetuses show higher fetal blood transferrin receptor (CD71) expression and nucleated red cell counts. These findings aid in prenatal diagnosis through analysis of fetal cells in maternal circulation.
Area of Science:
- * Perinatal Medicine
- * Hematology
- * Genetics
Background:
- * Chromosomal abnormalities affect fetal development and hematopoiesis.
- * Prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic conditions is crucial for management.
- * Identifying specific fetal blood markers can improve diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate fetal blood hematological parameters in chromosomally abnormal fetuses.
- * To assess the potential of transferrin receptor (CD71) expression for prenatal diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- * Cross-sectional study involving 13 chromosomally abnormal fetuses.
- * Umbilical venous blood collected via cordocentesis (17-32 weeks' gestation).
- * Analysis of fetal blood transferrin receptor (CD71) expression and nucleated red cell count.
Main Results:
- * Significantly elevated CD71 expression in abnormal fetuses (mean 79.8%) compared to normal controls.
- * Significantly higher nucleated red cell counts in abnormal fetuses (mean 10.4 x 10(9)/L) versus normal.
- * Statistical significance confirmed for both parameters (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- * Elevated CD71 expression and nucleated red cells are characteristic of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
- * These hematological changes offer a potential non-invasive method for prenatal diagnosis.
- * Analysis of fetal nucleated red blood cells using CD71 expression can aid in early detection.