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Preimplantation genetic diagnosis principles and ethics
S J Fasouliotis1, J G Schenker
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|October 2, 1998
Summary
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) helps couples avoid passing genetic diseases to their children. This advanced reproductive technology offers an alternative to prenatal diagnosis and termination, though it faces challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Medical genetics
- Embryology
Background:
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) provides an option for couples at high risk of transmitting genetic disorders.
- It allows for the selection of unaffected embryos, circumventing the need for termination following prenatal diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current state of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
- To highlight the technologies, applications, and challenges associated with PGD.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices in PGD, including biopsy techniques (polar body, blastomere, blastocyst).
- Discussion of genetic analysis technologies: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH).
Main Results:
- PGD enables the identification and implantation of genetically healthy embryos.
- Current limitations include high costs and low pregnancy rates.
Conclusions:
- PGD offers a valuable alternative for preventing genetic diseases in offspring.
- Ethical, legal, and technical challenges, including cost and efficacy, require further attention.
Keywords:
Genetics and Reproduction