Maternal plasma fetal DNA as a marker for preterm labour

The discovery of high concentrations of fetal DNA in maternal plasma in the last 8 weeks of pregnancy 1 Lo YMD Tein MSC Lau TK et al. Quantitative analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and serum: implications for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Am J Hum Genet. 1998; 62: 768-775 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1376) Google Scholar has led to new opportunities for clinical application. 2 Lo YMD Corbetta N Chamberlain PF et al. Presence of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and serum. Lancet. 1997; 350: 485-487 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2274) Google Scholar Although the biological basis of this rise in concentration remains unclear, one hypothesis suggests that it is due to the breaking down of the placental barrier in anticipation of delivery. 3 Bianchi DW Fetal DNA in maternal plasma: the plot thickens and the placental barrier thins. Am J Hum Genet. 1998; 62: 763-764 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (62) Google Scholar If this hypothesis is true, we propose that raised fetal DNA concentrations will be seen in maternal plasma before spontaneous preterm delivery.