Parents of a child with Down Syndrome characterized by retarded mental and physical development are obviously worried about the possibility of the same problem occurring in a future pregnancy. Down syndrome is also called as trisomy 21 because of the presence of an extra chromosome. Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) can help to select the healthy, unaffected embryos or oocytes for implantation for an IVF pregnancy in such cases. Selection of genetically normal embryos is made before implantation into uterus for an IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) procedure required for pregnancy.
PGT is performed before embryo transfer to select eggs without a known or suspected gene problem to remove the possibility of the genetic disorder. Assisted hatching is done after eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory. PGT is helpful not only in case of Down Syndrome, but also for many other common as well as rare diseases which can be diagnosed in this fashion. Some such conditions include diseases like Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and blood diseases such as hemophilia, Sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
According to the advice of the ‘best gynaecologist in Chandigarh’, PGT is a safe procedure. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that PGS testing reduces miscarriages. It is particularly important in case of women of older than 35 years of age. Moreover, screening embryos with PGT and transferring only the ones that are chromosomally normal can increase IVF success rates. Most of the risks are those as for for conventional IVF. Occasionally, mild reactions such as hot flushes, feeling down or irritable, headaches and restlessness may occur. These symptoms usually disappear after a short time.
Comprehensive programs such as Baby-genee serve multiple purposes of Pre-implantation Genetic Testing, Preconception counseling for couples with family history of genetic abnormality/ abnormality in previous child and Management of pregnancy where fetus has a structural abnormality.
