Fetal gender and several cytokines are associated with the number of fetal cells in maternal blood - An observational study

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors influencing the number of fetal cells in maternal blood. Methods: A total of 57 pregnant women at a gestational age of weeks 11-14 were included. The number of fetal cells in maternal blood was assessed in 30 ml of blood using specific markers for both enrichment and subsequent identification. Results: Participants carrying male fetuses had a higher median number of fetal cells in maternal blood than those carrying female fetuses (5 vs. 3, p= 0.04). Certain cytokines (RANTES, IL-2 and IL-5) were significantly associated with the number of fetal cells in maternal blood. Conclusion: The number of fetal cells in maternal blood is associated with certain cytokines and fetal gender.