Detection of fetal RhD gene from maternal blood

摘要

ObjectiveHemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a clinic phenomenon which occurs during pregnancy due to the Rhesus (Rh) D alloimmunization between a Rh (−) pregnant woman, who has become sensitive to RhD antigens, and her Rh (+) fetus. As a result of the attack of maternal RhD antibodies on fetal RhD antigens, fetal anemia, HDN and fetal death may occur. % 40 of Rh (−) pregnant women carry Rh (−) fetus. However, all Rh (−) pregnant women are offered anti-D Immunoglobulin (Anti-D Ig) at 28 weeks’ gestation in case of fetomaternal haemorrhage, so the pregnant women carrying Rh (−) fetus are exposed to blood products unnecessarily. Although the RhD of fetus can be detected, methods used for prenatal diagnosis recently are invasive tests and they can result in abortion in a certain percentage. The discovery of circulating cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities for non invasive prenatal diagnosis. The aim of this study was to detect prenatal RhD by analysing the presence of the RhD gene of fetal DNA in maternal blood.