Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the levels of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma and the occurrence of preterm labor. Materials and methods This was a prospective case–control study including 60 pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks’ gestation, divided into a study group that included 30 patients with threatened or established preterm labor, and another 30 pregnant women with no symptoms or signs of preterm labor, representing the control group. cffDNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR using the RASSF1A gene before and after treatment by methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme, respectively, irrespective to fetal sex. Results The mean cffDNA levels in the study and control groups were 229.12±71.95 and 39.81±5.95 copies/ml, respectively. The cffDNA level was about six folds increased in group A (study group), with a statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion High levels of cffDNA between 28 and 32 weeks are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery.
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