| abstract |
Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing an abnormal early pregnancy in a mammalian subject by contacting a biological sample of the subject with a reagent that enables measurement of certain biomarker targets, e.g., human placental lactogen (hPL) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In one embodiment, the mRNA of these biomarkers is measured in a biological sample, e.g., serum. The absolute levels of mRNA or protein levels, a ratio of mRNA to protein levels, or a pattern of multiple biomarker mRNA and/or protein levels or ratios are measured and a relation to the ratio or pattern of expression levels of the same biomarkers in the same biological fluid of a reference or control female mammalian subject having a normal intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) is determined. The presence of, absence of, or changes in expression levels, ratios or patterns of the biomarker(s) in relation to those of the reference or control correlates with a diagnosis of abnormal pregnancy, i.e., miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Various reagents for use in kits and panels for such diagnosis include PCR primer-probe sets or ligands, labeled or immobilized, which are capable of detecting the changes in expression or translation of these biomarker targets. |