Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis and determination of fetal Rh status

Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2008 Apr;13(2):63-8. doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2007.12.012. Epub 2008 Feb 4.

Abstract

RhD blood group incompatibility between a pregnant woman and her fetus can result in maternal alloimmunization and consequent haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies. The D-negative blood group is found in 15% of whites, 3-5% of black Africans, and is rare in Asians. Recent technological advances in non-invasive prenatal determination of the fetal RHD status using cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) have opened new avenues for the management of D-negative pregnant women. In this review applications for the high risk women, as well as potential for routine screening will be discussed. The use of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis and the management of other blood incompatibilities will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Rh Isoimmunization / diagnosis*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin / blood*

Substances

  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • DNA