DETECTION OF HEMOPHILIA CARRIERS DURING PREGNANCY

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (6) , 1407-1410
Abstract
The accuracy of hemophilia A carrier detection during pregnancy was determined using combined measurement of VII:CAg [factor VII coagulant-activity] and VIIIR:Ag [factor VIII related antigen]. These immunoassays detect determinants that are sufficiently stable in plasma so that the assays could be done on frozen samples that had been obtained when women were seen for antenatal diagnosis studies (carrier women) or for routine prenatal care (controls). A linear discriminant was calculated that best separated the data for 32 normal women and 25 obligate carriers of the hemophilia gene. The analysis correctly identified 23 of 25 carriers (92%) and all 32 control women. The overall classification accuracy (55/57, 96%) is comparable to that obtained by VIII:C and VIIIR:Ag measurements using freshly drawn blood samples in nonpregnant individuals. Hemophilia A carriers apparently can be detected during pregnancy with sufficient accuracy for the information may be used for genetic counseling.