Cell-free Fetal DNA Is Increased in Plasma of Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Nausea and vomiting of moderate intensity are especially common complaints in early gestation. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which is the most severe form of this disorder, occurs in 0.5–2% of pregnancies and is associated with weight loss, ketonemia, ketonuria, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and possible hepatic and renal damage. Recently, the presence of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma or serum has been demonstrated (1). It has been reported that the concentration of fetal DNA in maternal plasma is increased in pregnancies involving preterm delivery (2), preeclampsia (3)(4), and trisomy 21 (5)(6). In the present study, we evaluated the concentration of fetal DNA in maternal plasma in HG patients. Pregnant women diagnosed with HG and admitted to Showa University Hospital were recruited. In this study, HG was defined according to the following criteria: ( a ) persistent nausea and vomiting; ( b ) weight loss (>2 kg); and ( c ) ketonuria (>2+, urine dipstick). Maternal blood samples were obtained at the time of admission from 35 patients with HG carrying a single fetus between 7 and 16 weeks of gestation. Sixteen of 35 blood samples collected from the HG patients carrying a male fetus were …