Fertility Breakthrough

DNA FINGERPRINTING has been used for the first time to identify viable IVF embryos in a breakthrough which could revolutionise fertility treatment.

The same technique used by police to trap suspects in criminal investigations also has the potential to ensure successful pregnancies.

In a pioneering study, scientists from Australia and Greece matched specific embryos to individual babies after they were born.

Pinpointing viable embryos in this way is something that has never been achieved before.

Under normal circumstances it would be impossible for doctors to tell which of a number of embryos they have placed in a woman’s womb has resulted in the birth of a baby. The new research opens up the possibility of far more accurate screening of IVF embryos. By having the ability to match embryos and babies, scientists can search for the definitive genetic hallmarks of a successful pregnancy. Once they are recognised, it will be possible to implant only those embryos with a high chance of producing a live birth.

Dr Gayle Jones, a member of the Australian team from Monash University in Clayton, Victoria, said: “The ability to select the single most viable embryo from within a cohort available for transfer will revolutionise the practice of IVF, not only improving pregnancy rates but eliminating multiple pregnancies and the attendant complications.”

(c) 2008 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.