[Molecular analysis of the GABRB3 gene in autistic patients: an exploratory study].

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment of social interaction, language, communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behavior. Genetic predisposition to Autism has been demonstrated in families and twin studies. There is evidence (linkage and genetic association, biochemical, neuropathological, functional and cytogenetic) that the gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor beta 3 subunit gene (GABRB3) at 15q11-q13 is a susceptibility candidate gene for Autism.

[Prenatal maternal blood screening for the detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities: clinical importance of the rate of false positives].

Maternal serum screening to identify fetal aneuploidies is now routinely offered during the second trimester of pregnancy in developed countries. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the value of maternal serum screening between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation to detect fetal aneuploidies and to determine the false positive rate (FPR). Blood samples were collected from 1,062 pregnant women between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation.