HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 genotypes in severe preeclampsia

Objective: To clarify whether there are susceptible HLA-DQB1 or HLA-DPB1 al leles in women with preeclampsia. Methods: The frequency of HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 alleles was analyzed in 47 women with previous severe preeclampsia and compared with that in 85 normal fertile women. The types of HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 alleles were assessed us ing a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism me thod. Results: The frequency of HLA-DQB1*04 allele in previously preeclamptic wom en was 21.3% (20 of 94 loci) and in the controls was 11.2% (19 of 170 loci) . Thus, the HLA-DQB1*04 allele frequency was significantly higher in preecl amptic women compared with controls (P < .05 by chi(2) test, OR 2.15, 95% c onfidence interval 1.08, 4.27). The frequency of other HLA-DQB1 alleles and all HLA-DPB1 alleles was not significantly different between groups. The i ncidence of homozygosity of HLA-DQB1 or HLA-DPB1 alleles in preeclamptic wo men was not significantly different compared with that of normal fertile wo men. Conclusion: These data suggest that women who have the HLA-DQB1*04 allele m ight be susceptible to preeclampsia. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:385-9. (C) 200 0 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).