New procedure can prevent genetic disease before pregnancy
Preimplation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) gives new hope to high-risk couples. This newest procedure for fertility screening offers opportunity to prevent genetic disease from being passed from carrier parents to their children.
(PRWEB) February 5, 2004--New procedure can prevent genetic disease before
pregnancy.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) gives new hope to
high-risk couples
The Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Norwalk,
CT, January 2004 – According to the March of Dimes, chromosomal and/or genetic
anomalies are either solely (13%) or partially (up to 20%) to blame for up to
one-third of the 150,000 babies born with a birth defect each year. What’s more,
recent research confirms that chromosomal and genetic defects are on the rise,
linked in part to such factors as advanced maternal and paternal age, family
history, environmental toxins, infertility treatments and other unknown
causes.
A new procedure called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
can now screen embryos for aneuploidy (a condition indicating chromosomal
defects) before they are transferred into the uterus during an IVF procedure.
PGD can be used for couples experiencing fertility problems, as well as for
couples of normal fertility that have been identified at high-risk for passing
on a genetic disease. PGD offers a new opportunity to prevent genetic disease
from being passed from carrier parents to their children.
“PGD is a huge
development in reproductive medicine,” said Mark Leondires, lead reproductive
endocrinologist with The Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine in Norwalk
CT, and one of a few select reproductive specialist in the country doing PGD
screening. “We finally have something to offer couples facing the
heart-wrenching decision of wanting to have a baby on their own but at the same
time being high risk for passing on a genetic defect. PGD offers the potential
to significantly improve both the outcome of the pregnancy and the baby’s
chances for a normal, healthy life. It is very gratifying to be able to offer
this kind of hope to patients struggling with questions of risks and fertility,”
added Dr. Leondires.
The PGD process begins with the steps taken during
preparation for a normal IVF cycle. The eggs and sperm are joined in the
laboratory, and once the embryos reach the 7-10 cell stage, a cell is taken from
each for analysis. Those that are determined to be chromosomally abnormal are
not transferred during the final stage of IVF. “When we can ensure the
chromosomal viability of all of the embryos we’re implanting we can
significantly reduce, the possibility of genetic disease,” commented Dr.
Leondires.
In addition PGD can provide other benefits during high-risk
pregnancy. Since a vast percentage of first-trimester miscarriages occur due to
chromosomal abnormality PGD can help also reduce the risk of
miscarriage.
Dr. Leondires adds that, “Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
can be used to screen for dozens of genetically transmitted diseases, including
nearly all defects with a high risk of transmission (25%-50% or higher) and
those that carry significant mortality and morbidity rates. These include cystic
fibrosis, Tay Sachs disease, hemophilia, Fragile X syndrome, and rarer
conditions such as Barth's syndrome and Rett's syndrome.”
Dr. r. Mark P.
Leondires, M.D., FACOG, is a leading authority on reproductive medicine. Dr.
Leondires is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He
is an Assistant Clinical Professor, Dept. of OB/Gyn at the University of
Connecticut Medical School, a member of the Society of Reproductive
Endocrinologists, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Leondires is also a Physician
member of the American Infertility Association and a member of the Fairfield
County Medical Association. Dr. Leondires earned his medical degree from the
University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed his residency in
Obstetrics and Gynecology at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dr.
Leondires completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After completion of
his training, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving as the ART
Director for the largest and most successful program in the military health care
system at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During this time he was an Assistant
Professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and clinical
faculty for the Combined Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Leondires
is currently Medical Director and lead physician with The Center for Advanced
Reproductive Medicine in Norwalk CT. Along with numerous teaching and research
activities, Dr. Leondires has published articles in professional medical
journals, national consumer magazine and newspapers as well as abstracts and
book chapters.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb102925.htm