Prenatal diagnosis using fetal cells in the maternal circulation

Abstract

Since the introduction of ultrasound into obstetrics during the 1960s, there has been rapid progress in the detection of genetic and nongenetic defects in utero. With the development of sampling procedures like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and fetal blood sampling, the obstetrician has been able to obtain fetal tissue and the parallel improvement in laboratory techniques has allowed the diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies and single gene defects from fetal cells. Amniocentesis and CVS have become well established techniques for routine prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and metabolic disorders and fetal tissue is now accessible throughout all three trimesters.

Enrichment of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells from the Maternal Circulation for Prenatal Diagnosis: Experiences with Triple Density Gradient and MACS Based on More than 600 Cases

“…The occurrence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation -though redundantly assumed -could not be confirmed until highly effective enrichment techniques had been developed [9]. This approach required consideration of the most appropriate target cell type as there are trophoblast cells, leukocytes and nucleated erythrocytes.…”

“…Another -and maybe even more important -restriction of fetal lymphocytes is their longevity. Lymphocytes have a half-live of about 5 years and it is therefore highly probable that fetal lymphocytes from prior pregnancies may persist [9]. In contrast, NRBCs have a half-life of only 25-35 days in the adult circulation, while in newborns their life span is even shorter.…”

“…In contrast, NRBCs have a half-life of only 25-35 days in the adult circulation, while in newborns their life span is even shorter. Therefore isolation of NRBCs from previous pregnancies is unlikely [9].…”