Maternal Plasma Cell-Free DNA in the Prediction of Pre-Eclampsia

摘要

In both developed and developing countries, preeclampsia (PE) is among the most common causes of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have reported higher serum or plasma concentrations of total and fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in women with PE compared with normotensive controls. This has been associated with accelerated apoptosis of trophoblastic cells due to placental ischemia, although recent studies have not been able to find whether these high levels antecede PE. This case-control study aims to further explore if fetal fraction at 11 to 13 and 20 to 24 weeks' gestation and maternal plasma concentrations of total cfDNA can help predict PE and if those measurements are increased with pregnant women who develop PE.