title: Application of fetal DNA detection in maternal plasma: a prenatal diagnosis unit experience.
abstract: Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis tests based on the analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma have potential to be a safer alternative to invasive methods. So far, different studies have shown mainly fetal sex, fetal RhD, and quantitative variations of fetal DNA during gestation with fetal chromosomal anomalies or gestations at risk for preeclampsia. The objective of our research was to evaluate the use of fetal DNA in maternal plasma for clinical application. In our study, we have established the methodology needed for the analysis of fetal DNA. Different methods were used, according to the requirements of the assay. We have used quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) to perform fetal sex detection with 90% sensitivity. The same technique permitted the detection of fetal DNA from the 10th week of gestation to hours after delivery. We have successfully carried out the diagnosis of two inherited disorders, cystic fibrosis (conventional PCR and restriction analysis) and Huntington disease (QF-PCR). Ninety percent of the cases studied for fetal RhD by real-time PCR were correctly diagnosed. The detection of fetal DNA sequences is a reality and could reduce the risk of invasive techniques for certain fetal disorders in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Genetica, Avda Reyes Catolicos 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain. cgonzalezg@megalab.es
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: González-González
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garcia-Hoyos
authors.forename: M Jose
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Trujillo-Tiebas
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lorda-Sanchez
authors.forename: Marta Rodríguez
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: de Alba
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Infantes
authors.forename: Jesus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gallego
authors.forename: Joaquín
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Diaz-Recasens
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ayuso
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ramos
mesh_terms: D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D005333:Fetus; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; C026410:Rho(D) antigen; D004247:DNA