PhD defence G.M. (Geerke) Eggenhuizen

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

Confined placental mosaicism is a genetic condition that affects only the placenta, while the baby is genetically normal. In this thesis, we show that in some cases the genetical abnormalities in the placenta can cause growth problems in the baby, which may lead to several complications such as preterm birth. We studied different methods to diagnose confined placental mosaicism and in which percentage growth problem are likely to occur. In addition, we examined how the genetic defect is distributed within the placenta and whether this distribution is related to the clinically relevant outcomes. And finally, we investigated whether there is a predictor test that does not pose any risks to the pregnancy and can tell us if growth is to be expected. 
In conclusion, about one third of the pregnancies show growth problems. It is difficult to predict which cases will have clinical problems using current techniques and the genetic defect is unevenly distributed throughout the placenta.