title: Evolving applications of microarray analysis in prenatal diagnosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of copy number variation by microarray analysis has significant advantages over standard metaphase karyotyping and is quickly becoming the primary means of postnatal genetic evaluation for neonates and infants with dysmorphic features or cognitive difficulties. Before this technology is routinely used for prenatal diagnosis, further evaluation of its value and the clinical dilemmas it may introduce requires further study. This article reviews the recent literature on array technology use in prenatal diagnosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of microarray analysis for routine prenatal diagnosis is still being investigated. Use in certain prenatal situations such as the fetus with structural anomalies or those who are stillborn appears to add important, clinically relevant information. There are a broad range of array designs available and recent research has focused on the appropriate design for prenatal testing. Patient counseling may occasionally be difficult because of the uncertain phenotype associated with some array findings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We present a brief overview of microarray technology including benefits and limitations. Previous research regarding use of microarray in prenatal diagnosis including specific scenarios of anomalous fetuses and abnormal karyotype is reviewed. Current guidelines and the authors' recommendations are presented.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: Mirella J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mourad
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wapner
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D003582:Cytogenetics; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping / Q000379:methods; D008957:Models, Genetic; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D010641:Phenotype; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers