Cell-free fetal DNA and adverse outcome in low risk pregnancies

Objective: To analyze in a large prospective cohort study of low risk pregnancies whether cell-free fetal (cff) DNA in maternal plasma of the second trimester might be associated with the development of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age. Study design: A subset of a large prospective cohort study in serological RhD negative pregnant women with RHD positive fetuses was used. Cff DNA was determined through the detection of RHD specific sequences with real-time PCR. Results: In 611 pregnancies, rates of 7.2% preeclampsia, 1.6% preterm birth <= 32, 2.9%<= 34, and 12.4%<= 37 weeks of gestation, 5.7% of small for gestational age <5th percentile, and 8.2% <10th percentile were observed. For none of these risk groups an association with cff DNA could be established. Conclusion: Cff DNA in maternal plasma of the second trimester was not found to be a marker for an adverse pregnancy outcome in low risk pregnancies. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.