PGD and HLA matching: not a quick fix

Kahraman et al. (2011) publish the largest series of consecutive preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycles associated with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) matching. This technique can now be offered as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis in an attempt to treat and cure children affected by a hereditary haematological condition that can be cured by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Multidisciplinary preparation of an HLA-matching treatment is required in order to assess the need and the urgency of this treatment for the affected child. Alternative treatment options such as transplantation with unrelated or lower-level HLA-matched donors need to be considered. The parents as well as both the affected and unaffected children need psychological guidance and the follow-up of these families is essential.