Fetal fractions mediate the association between total cell-free DNA and preeclampsia risk in a non-invasive prenatal testing cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)-derived total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and fetal fractions (FFs) are potential indicators of placental dysfunction, a hallmark of preeclampsia (PE). However, their clinical utility in PE risk stratification, particularly in twin pregnancies, remains underexplored. This study evaluated the association between total cfDNA levels and the incidence of PE and assessed mediation by FFs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 2,366 pregnant women who underwent NIPT at 12-22 weeks of gestation at a tertiary hospital. Total cfDNA levels and FFs were extracted from the NIPT data, and PE diagnoses were confirmed via medical records. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to assess associations and mediating effects.

SUBMITTER: Zhang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12607176 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature