Preimplantation Diagnostics (PID)

High pregnancy rates are also possible in women over the age of 35

One of the most important challenges for assuring a successful pregnancy is identifying genetically inconspicuous embryos. An increase in age also leads to an increase in the amount of genetically abnormal egg cells. This naturally leads to a decrease in the probability of having a successful pregnancy.

The number of egg cells with genetic anomalies is actually a lot higher than most would expect: In women who are 35 years old, around 50% of their egg cells contain chromosomal defects. In women aged 40, approximately 70% of their egg cells contain suspicious genetic changes. It’s also possible that genetic aberrations can first take place after fertilization, which may prevent a successful pregnancy from happening or may lead to the inheritance of genetic defects.

Preimplantation diagnostics can be used to analyze the genetic material of the egg cell or fertilized embryo during IVF-treatment in order to select genetically inconspicuous embryos for transfer. We differentiate between the following types of PID:

• Polar body analysis (PBD) = (analysis of the egg cell)
• Chromosomal analysis of the trophectoderm cells (TEB, analysis of the fertilized
  embryo)
• Analysis of a known genetic change (monogenetic analysis of the fertilized embryo)

The polar bodies are—to a certain extent—waste products of the developing egg cell. The genetic composition of the polar bodies can be used to deduce the genome (the genetic make- up) of the mature egg cell. The actual egg cell remains intact and is not used during analysis. For the genetic analysis of the fertilized embryo with TEB (monogenetics), a few individual cells are removed from the trophectoderm using a fine needle. The trophectoderm later develops into the placenta, meaning that the embryo itself also remains untouched during this process.

Determination of sex and treatment of oocytes with genetic illnesses is not possible. At our institute, chromosomal analysis (or Karyogram) of both partners is a requirement before PID.

Pregnant faster ... among other advantages

Thanks to our analyses, we can detect genetic changes in both egg cells and fertilized embryos. After an informative consultation regarding PID, we can also select genetically inconspicuous embryos for implantation.

Various international studies have shown that preimplantation diagnostics significantly increase the probability of getting pregnant during fertility treatment as well as the probability of having a healthy child. The primary advantage of receiving preimplantation diagnostics is the increase in the chances of getting pregnant.

Priv.-Doz. DDr. Michael Feichtinger found the same results regarding the Wunschbaby Institute Feichtinger throughout his study. This is because we do not simply select any embryos for transfer, but rather those that do not appear to have any genetic abnormalities. The further advantages of preimplantation diagnostics are numerous. These include:

• The rate of miscarriage decreases
• Lowered risk of multiple births
• The risk of unintentionally losing pregnancy later during a prenatal intervention (amniocentesis, chorionic villus biopsy, etc.) decreases
  
• Fewer abortions
  
• It helps families with certain genetic dispositions that cause infertility

The chance of having a fruitless embryo transfer due to genetically defective oocytes can be avoided.

Indications

We recommend chromosomal analysis of polar bodies (PBD) to the following patient groups:

• Women aged 38 and older
  
• Couples who have already had several failed IVF attempts
  
• Patients suffering from abortus habitualis (recurrent miscarriages)
  
• If there is an abnormality in the female patient’s Karyogram (a Karyogram is required in both partners prior to PID)

The following indications allow genetic examinations of fertilized embryos according to the Reproductive Medicine Act in Austria:

• Couples who have already completed more than three unsuccessful IVF attempts
  
• Patients suffering from abortus habitualis (at least three proven miscarriages or stillbirths)
  
• If there is an abnormality in the Karyogram of one of the partners (a Karyogram is required in both partners prior to PID)
  
• A known genetic alteration, which can lead to severe hereditary disease in the child (according to §2a Reproduction Act)

We offer genetic consultation appointments as well as informative conversations where we can discuss all your questions relating to preimplantation diagnostics. Together, we will find the best option for you.

Contact

If you are interested in preimplantation diagnostics as part of your fertility treatment trial, please make an appointment for a free consultation per telephone at +43/1/877 77 75 or using the following contact form.