OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of the MLPA method (multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification) in prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies and compare its concordance with traditional karyotyping. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 2008 until July 2012 we performed 195 MLPA (MRC-Holland) tests with the P095 probe mix on DNA extracted from chorionic villi or amniotic fluid from pregnant women with elevated risk for abnormal fetal karyotype and 5 tests on miscarriage DNA samples. Cell culture and traditional karyotyping were performed in parallel. RESULTS: Traditional karyotyping was successfully performed in 192 cases (98.5%; 192/195). In 52 cases the fetal karyotype was abnormal (26.8%). The most common findings included aneuploidies of the following chromosomes: 13, 18, 21, X, Y (86.5%, 45/52). There were 179 conclusive and 1 inconclusive MLPA result (92.3%; 180/195). The absolute specificity and sensitivity of the MLPA test were 100%. In 9 cases traditional karyotyping revealed aberrations impossible to detect with the MLPA P095 kit. The MLPA reaction was successfully performed on all miscarriage DNA samples. CONCLUSIONS: MLPA is an effective method for detecting common aneuploidies. Its effectiveness for miscarriage DNA samples remains to be elucidated in further studies.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of the MLPA method (multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification) in prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies and compare its concordance with traditional karyotyping. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 2008 until July 2012 we performed 195 MLPA (MRC-Holland) tests with the P095 probe mix on DNA extracted from chorionic villi or amniotic fluid from pregnant women with elevated risk for abnormal fetal karyotype and 5 tests on miscarriage DNA samples. Cell culture and traditional karyotyping were performed in parallel. RESULTS: Traditional karyotyping was successfully performed in 192 cases (98.5%; 192/195). In 52 cases the fetal karyotype was abnormal (26.8%). The most common findings included aneuploidies of the following chromosomes: 13, 18, 21, X, Y (86.5%, 45/52). There were 179 conclusive and 1 inconclusive MLPA result (92.3%; 180/195). The absolute specificity and sensitivity of the MLPA test were 100%. In 9 cases traditional karyotyping revealed aberrations impossible to detect with the MLPA P095 kit. The MLPA reaction was successfully performed on all miscarriage DNA samples. CONCLUSIONS: MLPA is an effective method for detecting common aneuploidies. Its effectiveness for miscarriage DNA samples remains to be elucidated in further studies.