Father's age may matter in down syndrome screening, study suggests

NCT ID NCT05981521

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study of over 7,000 pregnant women looked at whether the father's age influences the chance of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) in the baby. While it's well known that the mother's age matters, the father's role is less clear. Researchers used a blood test called the Optimo prenatal screening to check for chromosomal conditions and compared results with both parents' ages.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If a link is found, it could improve how we estimate Down syndrome risk during pregnancy by including paternal age.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It only looks for an association, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Results may not change current screening guidelines.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Down syndrome trisomy 21

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Clinique Ovo

    Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2S4, Canada