PGD - Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Worldwide

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a laboratory procedure, used in conjunction with IVF, which helps to reduce the risk of passing on inherited conditions.  Some of the most common reasons for PGD are specific single gene conditions (such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia) or structural changes of a parent’s chromosomes.  Families may also use PGD when a member of the family is in need of a bone marrow donor, as a way to have a child who can provide matching [Treatment name removed]. Typically, the couples in need of these techniques are NOT infertile. In fact, in most cases, there is a family history of the condition and the couple is seeking the opportunity to diminish the risk of having another child with significant health compromise or early death.  However, through generally available genetic screening, occasionally a couple who is seeking fertility treatment is found to be at risk of passing on an inherited condition, and PGD may become an option for them during the course of their care with us. PGD is available for almost any inherited condition for which the exact mutation is known.  However, a unique test must usually be built for each couple who is planning to use PGD.  This test design may take up to several months to complete prior to beginning an IVFcycle. The genetic material that is transported by generation in generation and is required for the physiologic growth of each organism is found organised in structures, the chromosomes, in the core of cells. The core of sperm is linked with the core of ovum, shaping a cell with 46 chromosomes that is to say 23 chromosomes from each core. This is the beginning of existence of your child.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is used to analyze embryos genetically before their transfer into the uterus. PGD offers couples at risk the chance to have an unaffected child, without facing termination of pregnancy. Embryos are obtained by in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and are biopsied mostly on day 3; blastocyst biopsy is mentioned as a possible alternative. The genetic analysis is performed on one or two blastomeres by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or micro-array comparative genomic hybridization (MaCGH). The embryo is usually unharmed and can go on to develop just as though these one or two cells were never removed. PGD with IVF, can now prevent couples from having to face the difficulty of giving birth to children with almost any of the genetic defects such as alpha-Thalassaemia, beta-Thalassaemia, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs, Gaucher’s disease, mental retardation, sex-linked disorder, etc., that are a concern to every woman who ever gets pregnant. With PGD, we can also better understand the problem of recurrent, early miscarriage and the genetic errors that arise in pregnancies in older mothers.

Egg donation or ovum donation is a possible solution for women: who cannot produce eggs due to menopause or have been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (POF) - also referred to as premature menopause or early menopause above age 37 who have been repeatedly unsuccessful with IVF, particularly if it is known that the infertility is not male factor who carry a genetic disorder they do not wish to pass on to their child who have had multiple unexplained miscarriages