In the past year came in Germany 3180 children dead to the world. Often the cause is complications in the pregnancy: The placenta has separated, an infection or pregnancy poisoning has escalated, or the protective amniotic SAC is wide of the burst before the viability of the child. Not infrequently, an incorrect number of chromosomes for the tragic action is responsible. However, one obvious reason is also missing in more than half of the stillbirths.
The Doctors can give the parents no statement, and not worry that a new pregnancy ends again. David Goldstein of Columbia University in New York and his colleagues have now investigated the extent to which individual DNA changes in the genome are for the early death of the children responsible. Since it is possible to analyze routinely throughout the Genome, can support such analyses is the search for possible causes. However, it should be clarified what DNA changes with the life, are compatible and with what frequency for the abrupt end to the pregnancy after the 22. Week are responsible. Prior to this date, the entry into the 22. Week, as well as with a weight under 500 grams is officially spoken of a miscarriage, not a stillbirth, because the children are under these circumstances, outside of the Womb is not viable.
Goldstein and his colleagues examined the genomes of 241 stillborn children, and on the so-called Exons concentrated. These are the DNA sequences for the formation of the proteins responsible. However, they had not all the Exons in the view, but especially those who for various reasons are particularly relevant. Including genes, previously with the abrupt end of the pregnancy after the 22. Week in context, had been taken, as well as genes that tolerated due to their high relevance for the correct embryonic development, no changes, and finally, genes for known congenital developmental delays and disabilities.
eye-Catching mutations in the genome of the stillborn
In the case of 15 of the 241-studied genomes, the researchers saw the cause for the early death of the child in single mutations that are associated with disastrous consequences for the internal organs, especially the heart and kidneys. Nine of these genes were already under suspicion, the abrupt end of a pregnancy to bring about. Six further genes in this group you can also with high probability, assign, so that this mono-genetic causes – changes in a single Gene, with a share of 8.5 percent a moderate role as a trigger of stillbirths.