Brought together the experts in the field of obstetrics, gynecology and assisted reproduction to discuss the benefits of Pre-implantation Genetic Screening/Diagnosis (PGS/D) in IVF
MedGenome and Gunjan IVF World, a IVF provider based in Ghaziabad, brought together the experts in the field of obstetrics, gynecology and assisted reproduction to discuss the benefits of Pre-implantation Genetic Screening/Diagnosis (PGS/D) in IVF. The Continuing Medical Education (CME) session featured a talk by Dr Sam Balu, Manager Scientific Affairs, MedGenome.
Both PGS and PGD can be carried out only in case of IVF pregnancies. Pre-implantation Genetic Screening helps improve the overall implantation rate and IVF outcomes for the expectant couples, by screening for changes in chromosome number in the IVF embryos. Using Pre-implantation Genetic Screening couples can improve their chances of getting pregnant from 40 per cent to 70 per cent It greatly reduces the chances of miscarriage and other complications (such as a baby being born with trisomy 21, which results in Downs Syndrome).
The Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis testing is used to identify specific single gene disorders (such as Beta Thalassemia, Polycystic Kidney Disease etc), caused by inheritance of disease causing mutations from either one or both parents. This is especially useful for parents / families with a history of such disorders, to have children who are unaffected by the same.
Speaking at the CME, Dr Sam Balu, Manager Scientific Affairs – MedGenome Labs said, “With increasing infertility issues people are opting for assisted reproductive technologies to fulfil their dreams of having children. However, there is still a lack of awareness for tests such as PGS or PGD which check the embryo for any genetic disorders before they are implanted. These tests will allow both clinicians as well as patients to make informed decisions.”
He further added, “Patients undergoing multiple IVF cycles face both financial and emotional burden for each unsuccessful IVF cycles. Opting for PGS or PGD would help the couple maximize their chances of a successful pregnancy and having a healthy child, thus minimizing the number of IVF Cycles for a successful pregnancy.”
Dr Gunjan Gupta Govil, Chairman, Gunjan IVF World, added, “Patients with the history of diseases running in their families have a higher risk of transmitting those diseases to their children. Such couples are required to go through preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Both PGD and PGS allows testing of embryos prior to the implantation thus greatly reducing the risk of genetically inherited diseases.”