Unconjugated estriol as an indication for prenatal diagnosis of steroid sulfatase deficiency by in situ hybridization.
BACKGROUND
Undetectable or very low unconjugated estriol (E3) levels in routine maternal serum screening are associated with steroid sulfatase deficiency, miscarriages, and anencephaly.


METHODS
Fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques were used in the diagnosis of steroid sulfatase deficiency prenatally in three cases with low or undetectable unconjugated E3 levels. Results showed a male fetus with a deleted steroid sulfatase region, but intact Kallmann syndrome region in all three cases. One mother was studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization and showed a similar deletion for steroid sulfatase gene in one copy of X chromosome (carrier).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with undetectable or very low levels of estriol on serum screening should be counseled regarding steroid sulfatase deficiency with evaluation by fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. ahmed005@mc.duke.edu
M N
MN
Ahmed
A
A
Killam
K H
KH
Thompson
M B
MB
Qumsiyeh
D000328:Adult; D001192:Arylsulfatases / Q000172:deficiency*; D004964:Estriol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D043266:Steryl-Sulfatase
D001192:Arylsulfatases; D043266:Steryl-Sulfatase; D004964:Estriol