Cell-free DNA methylation-based preeclampsia prediction: A journey to improve maternal health

Prenat Diagn. 2024 Apr;44(4):418-421. doi: 10.1002/pd.6478. Epub 2023 Dec 4.

Abstract

Presymptomatic prediction of preeclampsia (PE) is crucial to enable early prophylactic treatment. Current screening tools are either complex or lack predictive value. We recently demonstrated that cell-free DNA methylation can be leveraged to predict early-onset PE in 57% at a 10% false positive rate. Importantly, this minimally invasive screening test can be implemented as an add-on to current widespread noninvasive prenatal aneuploidy screening. Here, we highlight the pitfalls and promising prospects of this research.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aneuploidy
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids*
  • DNA Methylation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / diagnosis
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / genetics
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids