Phenotype to genotype characterization by array-comparative genomic hydridization (a-CGH) in case of fetal malformations: A systematic review

• Published in: Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology 2019-01, Vol.58 (1), p.15-28
• Main Authors: Tonni, Gabriele, Palmisano, Marcella, Perez Zamarian, Ana Cristina, Rabachini Caetano, Ana Carolina, Santana, Eduardo Félix Martins, Peixoto, Alberto Borges, Armbruster-Moraes, Edecio, Ruano, Rodrigo, Araujo Júnior, Edward
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Array-CGH; Fetal malformations; Molecular genetics; Prenatal diagnosis; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1028-4559
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2018.11.003

The aim of the current review is to report a-CGH abnormalities identified in fetuses with prenatally diagnosed fetal malformations in whom a normal karyotype was diagnosed with conventional cytogenetic analysis. A systematic electronic search of databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE/SCOPUS) has been conducted from inception to May, 2017. Bibliographic analysis has been performed according to PRISMA statement for review. The following keywords were used: ‘array-CGH’ and ‘fetal malformations” and “prenatal diagnosis”; alternatively, “microarray”, “oligonucleotide array”, “molecular biology”, “antenatal diagnostics”, “fetal diagnostics”, “congenital malformations” and “ultrasound” were used to capture both “a-CGH” and “prenatal”. One-hundred and twelve fetuses with prenatally diagnosed fetal malformations with normal karyotyping and a-CGH abnormalities detected are described. Single or multiple microarray abnormalities diagnosed have been classified in relation to different organ/system affected. The most frequent a-CGH abnormalities were detected in cases of congenital heart diseases (CDHs), multiple malformations and central nervous system (CNS) malformations. Maternal or paternal carrier-state was seen in 19.64% (22/112), of cases while the number of reported de novo mutations accounted for 46.42% (52/112) of all CNVs microarray abnormalities. Array-comparative genomic hydridization (a-CGH) may become an integral and complemantary genetic testing when fetal malformations are detected prenatally in fetuses with normal cytogenetic karyotype. In addition, a-CGH enables the identification of CNVs and VOUS and improves the calculation of recurrent risk and the genetic counseling.