The ESHRE PGD Consortium: 10 years of data collection

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetics
• Embryology

Background:

• The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Consortium has gathered international data since 1997.
• Ten publications cover data from January 1997 to December 2007, reflecting the evolution of PGD practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the first decade of PGD data collected by the ESHRE Consortium.
• To highlight key trends and advancements in PGD methodologies and applications.

Main Methods:

• Data collection evolved from hard-copy to electronic formats (Excel, FileMaker Pro).
• Indications for PGD included chromosome abnormalities, X-linked diseases, single gene defects, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), and social sexing.
• Key outcomes measured were pregnancy rates and delivery follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Data from an average of 39 centers (increasing from 16 to 57) covered over 27,000 oocyte retrieval cycles.
• Aneuploidy screening constituted 61% of cycles, followed by single gene disorders (17%) and chromosomal abnormalities (16%).
• Over 5,000 clinical pregnancies resulted in 4,140 deliveries, producing 5,135 newborns.

Conclusions:

• The first ten years of Consortium data show significant trends in PGD.
• Advancements include laser-assisted biopsy, increased use of polar body and trophectoderm biopsy, and new diagnostic technologies like arrays.
• The growing use of embryo cryopreservation is also noted, underscoring the value of Consortium data for understanding PGD practice.