Diagnosis and Prevention of Fetal Heart Disease

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for assessing the likelihood of the presence or formation of fetal heart disease (such as HLHS) in a fetus. In this methodology, the mother, either before or during pregnancy, is tested for the presence of anti-strep antibodies. If positive, the fetus is evaluated and monitored for the presence of fetal heart disease; the fetus can be treated, if appropriate. In addition, either prior to pregnancy or during the first trimester, the mother can be treated to prevent the formation of such antibodies or to neutralize their presence or effect fetal heart tissue.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . A method for preventing the formation of fetal heart disease, comprising testing for the presence of anti-strep antibodies in a woman who is not pregnant and, if said test is positive for the presence of such anti-strep antibodies, treating for the presence of anti-strep antibodies in said woman prior to her becoming pregnant or within the first trimester of her pregnancy. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein the fetal heart disease relates to damage to the left-hand heart structures. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8  wherein the fetal heart disease is HLHS. 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein the treatment is selected from administration of strep vaccines, administration of immune system modulators, plasmaphoresis to remove the antibodies, interfering with the passage of the antibodies across the placenta, interfering with the interaction of the antibodies with fetal heart tissue antigens, and combinations thereof.