A Pilot Study of Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia with Target Capture Sequencing of Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Maternal Blood.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Thalassemia is a dangerous hematolytic genetic disease. In south China, ∼24% Chinese carry alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia gene mutations. Given the fact that the invasive sampling procedures can only be performed by professionals in experienced centers, it may increase the risk of miscarriage or infection. Thus, most people are worried about the invasive operation. As such, a noninvasive and accurate prenatal diagnosis is needed for appropriate genetic counseling for families with high risks. Here we sought to develop capture probes and their companion analysis methods for the noninvasive prenatal detection of deletional and nondeletional thalassemia.

Materials and methods

Two families diagnosed as carriers of either beta-thalassemia gene or Southeast Asian delet

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6016721 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature