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Chromosome Screening of Human Preimplantation Embryos by Using Spent Culture Medium: Sample Collection and Chromosomal Ploidy Analysis
Published on: September 7, 2021
Health of children conceived after preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a preliminary outcome study
I Banerjee1, M Shevlin, M Taranissi
1Adolescent and General Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 250 Euston Road, 6th Floor, London NW1 2PQ, UK.
Insights
Children conceived via preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) show normal neurodevelopment and positive parent-child relationships. While PGD infants were lighter and born earlier, no major health issues were found, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an assisted reproductive technology used to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation.
- Concerns exist regarding the long-term health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children conceived through PGD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children conceived after PGD.
- To compare parent-child relationships in PGD-conceived families with naturally conceived controls.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving 49 children conceived via PGD and 66 matched naturally conceived (NC) controls.
- Neurodevelopmental screening using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales.
- Assessment of child health parameters, including birth weight and gestational age.
- Evaluation of parent-child relationships using standardized questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Children conceived via PGD demonstrated normal growth parameters and neurodevelopmental quotients, comparable to NC controls.
- PGD-conceived infants were significantly more likely to be lighter (<2500g) and born prematurely (earlier gestational age).
- PGD families reported significantly higher warmth-affection and lower aggression-hostility/rejection in parent-child relationships.
Conclusions:
- The preliminary study indicates no major adverse health effects in children conceived via PGD.
- While PGD is associated with higher rates of low birth weight and preterm birth, neurodevelopment and parent-child bonding appear unaffected.
- A larger, more comprehensive study is recommended to validate these findings and confirm the long-term safety of PGD.
Abstract:
A preliminary study was conducted on health of children conceived after preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis (PGD). Forty-nine children were assessed with 66 matched naturally conceived (NC) controls. Primary outcome was neurodevelopmental screening, and secondary outcomes were evidence of other health problems and assessment of parent-child relationships. Study and control children were well matched across relevant socio-demographic variables. Growth parameters at mean age 18 months were normal. The mean Griffiths quotient was 102.7 (+/-13.1) (PGD) and 103.3 (+/-12.8) (NC), both of which were within the normal range, and did not differ significantly. PGD cases were more likely to be lighter, at <2500 g (12 children, 24.5% versus one child 1.5%, P < 0.0001) and born earlier than controls (38.2 +/- 2.6 versus 40.0 +/- 1.4 weeks; P < 0.0001), consistent with other similar studies. PGD families showed no evidence of excess stress in their relationship with their child. The PGD group had significantly higher scores on the warmth-affection sub-scale (P = 0.042), and significantly lower scores on the aggression-hostility and rejection sub-scales (P = 0.030) of the questionnaire. The study showed no major ill effects from PGD on the child health. A larger study is needed to confirm the validity of this conclusion.
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