Genetic Factors in Common Obstetric Disorders : Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Current Concepts in Prenatal Genetics

Genetic Factors in Common Obstetric Disorders

WARD, KENNETH MD* †

Author Information

*Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health and The Pacific Research Center for Early Human Development, University of Hawai'i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawai'i

†The Lucina Foundation, Salt Lake City, Utah

Correspondence: Kenneth Ward, MD, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Hawai'i, Kapi'olani Hospital, Honolulu, Hawai'i. E-mail: [email protected]

Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (2 U 54 RR014607-06 from the Research Centers in Minority Institutions program in the National Center for Research Resources) and by The Lucina Foundation.

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 51(1):p 74-83, March 2008. | DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181616545

Abstract

Genetic research of disease has recently turned from individual genes for rare but highly penetrant diseases (like cystic fibrosis) to focus on common, multigene disorders with polygenic inheritance patterns, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, and thromboembolism. These conditions are characterized by multiple etiologies, chronicity, fetal involvement, adaptive clinical manifestations, and gene-environment interactions. As we understand genetic contributions to complex disease and build upon the genetic data and technology available, more effective and specific management and treatment options will become available for clinicians and their patients.

© 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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