Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis: 10-years experience

Purpose

We present in this study our 10 years experience in prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis performed in the Tunisian population.

Patients and methods

Based on family history, 40 Tunisian couples were selected for prenatal diagnosis. Fetal DNA was isolated from amniotic fluid collected by transabdominal amniocentesis or from chronic villi by transcervical chorionic villus sampling. The genetic analysis for cystic fibrosis mutations was performed by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis and denaturing high-pressure liquid phase chromatography. We performed microsatellites analysis by capillary electrophoresis in order to verify the absence of maternal cell contamination.

Results

Thirteen fetuses were affected, 21 were heterozygous carriers and 15 were healthy with two normal alleles of CFTR gene. Ten couples opted for therapeutic abortion. The microsatellites genotyping showed the absence of contamination of the fetal DNA by maternal DNA in 93.75%.

Conclusion

Our diagnostic strategy provides rapid and reliable prenatal diagnosis at risk families of cystic fibrosis.