Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
DGP
Best embryo selection
Obviously, the main objective of PGD is to detect genetically healthy embryos. Therefore, those with mutations or aneuploidies that, without this genetic analysis, could be confused and transferred to the mother, which would lead to implantation failure, abortion or the birth of a sick child, can be directly ruled out.
Lower risk of miscarriage
Some chromosomal alterations allow the embryo to implant, but after several weeks of development they end in a spontaneous abortion due to not having the correct genetic endowment.
Higher pregnancy rate
Since embryos that lead to repeated implantation failures are avoided.
Fewer number of IVF treatments
PGD allows "hitting" in the selection of the embryo with the greatest implantation capacity and which can lead to a healthy baby. Therefore, the number of failed transfers is reduced, as is the time to achieve a pregnancy.
Greater peace of mind for patients
PGD manages to eliminate the uncertainty of whether the embryo will be good or not. In addition, once the positive is achieved, the woman also feels more relaxed knowing that the embryo is viable and the risk of abortion is much lower.
What is DGP?
It allows the early detection of serious genetic diseases, which can be transmitted to the offspring if the parents are carriers or sick. In general, these are monogenic inherited diseases such as Fragile X syndrome, Huntingon's disease, and muscular dystrophy.
Preimplantation genetic screening or PGS
Also called aneuploidy screening. In this case, alterations in the number or structure of the chromosomes are identified. The best known chromosomal disease is Down syndrome.
Depending on whether genetic or chromosomal alterations are to be detected, the techniques for analyzing the DNA of the embryos will be different.
When to do a PGD?
Genetics and fertility specialists will advise carrying out PGD to have a child in the following cases:
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When the parents, or at least one of them, are carriers of some hereditary genetic disease.
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When the parents, or at least one of them, have an altered karyotype (chromosomal study). For example, they can carry chromosomal translocations or inversions.
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When the parents already have a sick child due to a disease that requires a blood cell transplant and they decide to have another healthy and compatible child. It is what is known as baby medicine.
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After several repeated failures in IVF cycles.
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After several embryo implantation failures.
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When there are repeat abortions.
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When the woman is of advanced maternal age (it is recommended for women over 38-40 years).
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If there is a history of an aneuploid pregnancy (wrong number of chromosomes).
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In specific cases of male sterility, when it is required to obtain sperm from the epididymis or the testicle, for example.
Benefits of DGP
People who decide to do PGD while seeking pregnancy can achieve the following benefits: