RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To set up the methodology for PCR analysis of XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism of the factor VIII gene, and to identify the usefulness of XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism analysis for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia A in the Korean population. DESIGN: A laboratory analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism of the factor VIII gene was analyzed in 56 unrelated Korean mothers of patients with severe hemophilia A, using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Analysis of XbaI/intron 22 polymorphisms of the factor VIII gene were feasible by PCR method. The expected heterozygosity rates of XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism of the factor VIII gene were 44.8%. Analysis of XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism revealed heterozygous patterns in 22 (39.3%) of 56 mothers studied. Using linkage analysis with XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism, we have attempted one case of carrier detection and two cases of prenatal diagnosis in two families of patients with severe hemophilia A. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PCR analysis of the XbaI/intron 22 polymorphism within the factor VIII gene is very useful in the carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia A in the Korean population.