Molecular genetic study of triploidy and the hydatidiform mole in pregnancy loss: analysis of 10,000 consecutive cases

   Approximately 10–15 % of clinically recognized pregnancies result in miscarriage, with chromosomal abnormalities identified in about 50 % of early pregnancy losses (PL). Triploidy accounts for approximately 12 % of all chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriages. The additional haploid set of chromosomes in triploidy may be of paternal (diandric tri ploidy) or maternal (digynic triploidy) origin. Diandric triploidy is associated with a partial hydatidiform mole (PHM), while pregnancies involving diploid embryos with two paternal genomes (and loss of the maternal nuclear genome) are the most common cause of a complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). The hydatidiform mole (HM) is the most prevalent form of gestational trophoblastic disease. Genotyping of products of conception (POC) is currently considered a reliable method for confirming HM and distinguishing its subtypes.

   The aim of this study was to use DNA genotyping of POCs to detect cases of triploidy, estimate the frequency of HM and its subtypes, and analyze the molecular and clinical characteristics of triploid pregnancies, CHM, and PHM in a Russian population.

   Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 10,000 consecutive PL cases were analyzed at the Medical Genetic Center Progen (Moscow). The main clinical indications included spontaneous miscarriage, missed miscarriage, and anembryonic pregnancy. DNA genotyping was performed using a five-color multiplex QF-PCR method, which included profiling of 26 autosomal STR markers, as well as DYS437, DXS6809, the SRY gene, and 30 markers from homologous regions located on different chromosomes. CHM was diagnosed based on the homozygosity of all STR markers. Triploidy was identified by analyzing peak area ratios of non-homozygous STR markers, which exhibited characteristic patterns of approximately 2:1 or 1:1:1. In our cohort, chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 58.8 % of all PL cases. Triploidy was detected in 8.3 % of the total sample, representing 14.3 % of all chromosomally abnormal POCs. Diandric triploidy accounted for 43 % of triploid cases. The prevalence of CHM was 0.11 %. The median age of women with triploidy was 32.1 years, and 27.9 years for those with CHM. Given the observed frequencies of PHM and CHM in our cohort, along with the relatively young maternal age associated with these conditions, enhancing current diagnostic protocols for HM – particularly through the incorporation of DNA genotyping of POCs – is essential for the effective prevention and timely diagnosis of post-molar malignant neoplasms in this population.

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