[Gynecologic applications of genetic variability].

The characterisation of mutations and polymorphisms has been improved within the last decade. In this respect, the possibilities to define genetic susceptibility to a number of diseases have been established in various populations. As to the field of obstetrics and gynecology, the analysis of polymorphisms may be useful to characterise populations of women carrying a significantly elevated risk of developing specific obstetric complications, e.g. thrombosis, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and abortion. Also, specific aspects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in peri- and postmenopausal women may be addressed by the analysis of polymorphisms. Genetic susceptibility for thrombosis, myocardial infarction, changes in blood lipid homeostasis, breast cancer, and osteoporosis have been described in various association and intervention studies in the literature. At this time, however, the analysis of polymorphisms in the field of obstetrics and gynecology has to be considered experimental.