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Alon I, Bussod I, Ravitsky V. Mapping ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1153-1171. [PMID: 38512655 PMCID: PMC11143109 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has attracted considerable ethical, legal, and social scrutiny, but academic debate often fails to reflect clinical realities. METHODS Addressing this disconnect, a review of 506 articles from 1999 to 2019 across humanities and social sciences was conducted to synthesize the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of PGT. This review mined PubMed, WoS, and Scopus databases, using both MeSH terms and keywords to map out the research terrain. RESULTS The findings reveal a tenfold increase in global research output on PGT's ELSI from 1999 to 2019, signifying rising interest and concern. Despite heightened theoretical discourse on selecting "optimal" offspring, such practices were scarcely reported in clinical environments. Conversely, critical issues like PGT funding and familial impacts remain underexplored. Notably, 86% of the ELSI literature originates from just 12 countries, pointing to a research concentration. CONCLUSION This review underscores an urgent need for ELSI research to align more closely with clinical practice, promoting collaborations among ethicists, clinicians, policymakers, and economists. Such efforts are essential for grounding debates in practical relevance, ultimately steering PGT towards ethical integrity, societal acceptance, and equitable access, aiming to harmonize PGT research with real-world clinical concerns, enhancing the relevance and impact of future ethical discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Alon
- Department of Development Economics, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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2
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Van Hoyweghen I, Aarden E. One for All, All for One? Containing the Promise of Solidarity in Precision Medicine. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2021.1908958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Aarden
- Department of Science, Technology & Society Studies, University of Klagenfurt, Wien, Austria
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3
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The current state of sickle cell trait: implications for reproductive and genetic counseling. Blood 2019; 132:2331-2338. [PMID: 30487130 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-06-848705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell trait (SCT) is unique among the carrier states that are identified during newborn screening. Unlike other heterozygous states for rare recessive diseases, SCT is exceedingly prevalent throughout regions of the world, making sickle cell disease one of the most common monogenetic diseases worldwide. Because of this high frequency, reproductive counseling is of paramount importance. In addition, unlike other carrier states, SCT seems to be a risk factor for several clinical complications, such as extreme exertional injury, chronic kidney disease, and venous thromboembolism. Increasing knowledge about these clinical outcomes can help inform genetic counseling recommendations. Expanding research and clinical efforts are needed to ensure that the promises of modern and precision medicine can be delivered to the millions of SCT carriers and their children.
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Abstract
AbstractNon-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a new technology used in prenatal testing (PT) that capitalizes on genomic platforms to transform DNA fragments in the blood of pregnant women into information about the genome of a foetus. Since its market introduction in 2011, it has travelled around the globe with remarkable speed. This article engages with the emergence of NIPT in and around Vienna, the capital city of Austria, to explore why and how this technology could travel so quickly in practice. Based on a qualitative analysis of interviews, documents, and field notes, it argues, first, that NIPT could travel so quickly because it travelled as ‘adaptable boxes’ that added on to different ‘local worlds of prenatal testing (PT)’, without disrupting them. Second, in so doing, NIPT could travel on a moral and material ground, or an ‘imaginary of PT’, built in the past. Third, the article argues that elements of this imaginary were also mobilized by commercial pioneers of NIPT, who ‘infrastructurized’ extant values, practices, and networks among biomedical professionals. Thus, various actors converged in mobilizing moral and material elements of an imaginary, transforming them into an infrastructure that facilitated the travels of NIPT, while also shaping its use.
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5
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Goh ESY, Miller FA, Marshall DA, Ungar WJ. Genetic counselors' preferences for coverage of preimplantation genetic diagnosis: A discrete choice experiment. Clin Genet 2019; 95:684-692. [PMID: 30859557 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows couples to test for a genetically affected embryo prior to implantation. Patient access to this ethically complex and expensive technology differs markedly across jurisdictions, with differences in private/public insurance coverage and variations in patient inclusion and diagnostic criteria. The objective of the study was to identify trade-offs regarding PGD coverage decisions amongst genetic counselors. To quantify stated preferences for PGD coverage, we conducted a discrete choice experiment with Canadian genetic counselors (GC) considering attributes regarding the scope of testing (PGD indication, risk of the condition and number of cycles covered) and patient inclusion criteria (fertility status and family history). Multinomial logit regression was used to estimate trade-offs amongst attributes using part-worth utilities and importance scores. The completed response rate was 41% with 126 GC completing the survey. Risk of the genetic condition was the most important attribute. Overall, GC were more responsive to the scope of testing criteria including the condition's risk (importance score of 42%) and PGD indication (31%) rather than family history (11%) and fertility status (8%). Based on this study's attributes and levels, condition characteristics are prioritized even above patient characteristics for PGD coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Suk-Ying Goh
- Trillium Health Partners, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona A Miller
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children (Sickkids) Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Pecker LH, Naik RP. The current state of sickle cell trait: implications for reproductive and genetic counseling. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2018; 2018:474-481. [PMID: 30504348 PMCID: PMC6245976 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2018.1.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell trait (SCT) is unique among the carrier states that are identified during newborn screening. Unlike other heterozygous states for rare recessive diseases, SCT is exceedingly prevalent throughout regions of the world, making sickle cell disease one of the most common monogenetic diseases worldwide. Because of this high frequency, reproductive counseling is of paramount importance. In addition, unlike other carrier states, SCT seems to be a risk factor for several clinical complications, such as extreme exertional injury, chronic kidney disease, and venous thromboembolism. Increasing knowledge about these clinical outcomes can help inform genetic counseling recommendations. Expanding research and clinical efforts are needed to ensure that the promises of modern and precision medicine can be delivered to the millions of SCT carriers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rakhi P. Naik
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Raz A, Schües C, Wilhelm N, Rehmann-Sutter C. Saving or Subordinating Life? Popular Views in Israel and Germany of Donor Siblings Created through PGD. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2017; 38:191-207. [PMID: 27000646 DOI: 10.1007/s10912-016-9388-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To explore how cultural beliefs are reflected in different popular views of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for human leukocyte antigen match (popularly known as "savior siblings"), we compare the reception and interpretations, in Germany and Israel, of the novel/film My Sister's Keeper. Qualitative analysis of reviews, commentaries and posts is used to classify and compare normative assessments of PGD for HLA and how they reproduce, negotiate or oppose the national policy and its underlying cultural and ethical premises. Four major themes emanated from the comparison: loss of self-determination and autonomy; loss of dignity through instrumentalization; eugenics and euthanasia; and saving life. In both countries, most commentaries represented a dominant position, with a few negotiated positions. We also highlight the decoding of a relatively less explored bioethical aspect of My Sister's Keeper's narrative, namely the meaning of euthanasia. We conclude by discussing how the findings relate to attempts of providing cultural explanations for the regulation of HLA-PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Raz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel, 84105.
| | - Christina Schües
- Institut für Medizingeschichte und Wissenschaftsforschung, Universität zu Lübeck, Königsstraße 42, D - 23552, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nadja Wilhelm
- Institut für Medizingeschichte und Wissenschaftsforschung, Universität zu Lübeck, Königsstraße 42, D - 23552, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Rehmann-Sutter
- Biowissenschaften Institut für Medizingeschichte und Wissenschaftsforschung, Universität zu Lübeck, Königstraße 42, D - 23552, Lübeck, Germany
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Dagan E, Birenbaum-Carmeli D, Friedman E, Feldman B. Performing and Declining PGD: Accounts of Jewish Israeli Women Who Carry a BRCA1/2 Mutation or Partners of Male Mutation Carriers. J Genet Couns 2017; 26:1070-1079. [PMID: 28265801 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
To describe factors associated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) decisions among Jewish Israeli BRCA1/2 carriers or spouses of a male carrier, we contacted all women who initiated PGD consultation for embryonic BRCA1/2 mutation detection at Sheba Medical Center, prior to March 2014. Applying a qualitative approach, we asked women to elaborate on the factors they considered in either opting for PGD or discontinuing the screening procedure. Participants were 18 Jewish Israeli women; 14 were carriers of one of the Ashkenazi founder mutations in BRCA1/2, and four were spouses of male mutation carriers, who underwent at least one cycle of PGD. Prior to seeking PGD, ten of the women had no children. At the time of the interview, all but three had at least one child. Three factors emerged as key motivators for PGD: having witnessed the disease in a close relative (n = 12); prior IVF treatment for infertility (n = 12); and having pre-existing frozen embryos (n = 6). Ten women withdrew from the PGD process due to clinical, logistical, and financial reasons. In conclusion, most women decided to withdraw from PGD instead of continuing until a successful conception was achieved. Those who opted for PGD attributed their discontinuation of further screening to the emotional burden that is greatly intensified by practical difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Dagan
- Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, PO Box 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | - Eitan Friedman
- The Susanne-Levy Gertner Oncogenetics Unit, Sheba Medical Center, PO Box 52621, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, PO Box 39040, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Baruch Feldman
- Sheba Medical Center, The Danek Gertner Institute of Human Genetics, PO Box 52621, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of oocytes and embryos is the earliest form of prenatal testing. PGT requires in vitro fertilization for embryo creation. In the past 25 years, the use of PGT has increased dramatically. The indications of PGT include identification of embryos harboring single-gene disorders, chromosomal structural abnormalities, chromosomal numeric abnormalities, and mitochondrial disorders; gender selection; and identifying unaffected, HLA-matched embryos to permit the creation of a savior sibling. PGT is not without risks, limitations, or ethical controversies. This review discusses the techniques and clinical applications of different forms of PGT and the debate surrounding its associated uncertainty and expanded use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony N Imudia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 2 Tampa General Circle, Suite 6022, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
| | - Shayne Plosker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 2 Tampa General Circle, Suite 6022, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
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Damian BB, Bonetti TCS, Horovitz DDG. Practices and ethical concerns regarding preimplantation diagnosis. Who regulates preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Brazil? BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH = REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISAS MEDICAS E BIOLOGICAS 2014. [PMID: 25493379 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20144083.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was originally developed to diagnose embryo-related genetic abnormalities for couples who present a high risk of a specific inherited disorder. Because this technology involves embryo selection, the medical, bioethical, and legal implications of the technique have been debated, particularly when it is used to select features that are not related to serious diseases. Although several initiatives have attempted to achieve regulatory harmonization, the diversity of healthcare services available and the presence of cultural differences have hampered attempts to achieve this goal. Thus, in different countries, the provision of PGD and regulatory frameworks reflect the perceptions of scientific groups, legislators, and society regarding this technology. In Brazil, several texts have been analyzed by the National Congress to regulate the use of assisted reproduction technologies. Legislative debates, however, are not conclusive, and limited information has been published on how PGD is specifically regulated. The country requires the development of new regulatory standards to ensure adequate access to this technology and to guarantee its safe practice. This study examined official documents published on PGD regulation in Brazil and demonstrated how little direct oversight of PGD currently exists. It provides relevant information to encourage reflection on a particular regulation model in a Brazilian context, and should serve as part of the basis to enable further reform of the clinical practice of PGD in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Damian
- Centro de Genética Médica, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - T C S Bonetti
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - D D G Horovitz
- Centro de Genética Médica, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Damian BB, Bonetti TCS, Horovitz DDG. Practices and ethical concerns regarding preimplantation diagnosis. Who regulates preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Brazil? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 48:25-33. [PMID: 25493379 PMCID: PMC4288489 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20144083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was originally developed to diagnose embryo-related genetic abnormalities for couples who present a high risk of a specific inherited disorder. Because this technology involves embryo selection, the medical, bioethical, and legal implications of the technique have been debated, particularly when it is used to select features that are not related to serious diseases. Although several initiatives have attempted to achieve regulatory harmonization, the diversity of healthcare services available and the presence of cultural differences have hampered attempts to achieve this goal. Thus, in different countries, the provision of PGD and regulatory frameworks reflect the perceptions of scientific groups, legislators, and society regarding this technology. In Brazil, several texts have been analyzed by the National Congress to regulate the use of assisted reproduction technologies. Legislative debates, however, are not conclusive, and limited information has been published on how PGD is specifically regulated. The country requires the development of new regulatory standards to ensure adequate access to this technology and to guarantee its safe practice. This study examined official documents published on PGD regulation in Brazil and demonstrated how little direct oversight of PGD currently exists. It provides relevant information to encourage reflection on a particular regulation model in a Brazilian context, and should serve as part of the basis to enable further reform of the clinical practice of PGD in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Damian
- Centro de Genética Médica, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - T C S Bonetti
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - D D G Horovitz
- Centro de Genética Médica, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Dagan E, Gershoni-Baruch R, Kurolap A, Goldberg Y, Fried G. “I Do Not Want My Baby to Suffer as I Did”; Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for BRCA1/2 Mutations: A Case Report and Genetic Counseling Considerations. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2014; 18:461-6. [DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2013.0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Dagan
- Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ruth Gershoni-Baruch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alina Kurolap
- Institute of Human Genetics, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Goldberg
- Obstetrics and Gynecological Ultrasound Unit, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Georgeta Fried
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Oncology Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Constructing embryos, constructing politics: Connecting politics and technology in the Netherlands and Germany. BIOSOCIETIES 2011. [DOI: 10.1057/biosoc.2011.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
In the last two decades, the use of preimplantation genetic testing has increased dramatically. This testing is used for identifying singlegene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, mitochondrial disorders, gender selection in non-mendelian disorders with unequal gender distribution, aneuploidy screening, and other preconceptually identified genetic abnormalities in prospective parents. Genetic testing strategies and diagnostic accuracy continues to improve, but not without risks or controversies. In this review the authors discuss the techniques and clinical application of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and the debate surrounding its associated uncertainty and expanded use.
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Altarescu G, Renbaum P, Eldar-Geva T, Varshower I, Brooks B, Beeri R, Margalioth EJ, Levy-Lahad E, Elstein D, Zimran A. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for a treatable disorder: Gaucher disease type 1 as a model. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2010; 46:15-8. [PMID: 20684885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that enables identification of unaffected embryos prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfer in couples at risk for a Mendelian disorder. Most cases involve severe genetic diseases with neurological features and/or major malformations. We present two couples in which PGD was performed for prevention of type 1 Gaucher disease, a non-neuronopathic, non-lethal disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a multiplex fluorescent PCR protocol, simultaneously amplifying the familial mutations and eight closely spaced, highly polymorphic informative microsatellite markers surrounding the gene, to be used for PGD analysis. RESULTS Couple #1 mother was homozygous for the N370S mutation and the father carried the 84GG mutation; their first daughter receives specific Gaucher therapy. One PGD cycle resulted in seven embryos of which four had the paternal wild type allele; two were transferred resulting in a healthy baby boy born at term. Couple #2, each a carrier (N370S and R359Q), whose first-born child had died (age 5years) of Gaucher disease, underwent 7 PGD cycles. Only one cycle resulted in a clinical pregnancy but a miscarriage was followed at 10weeks. CONCLUSIONS PGD is an effective and accurate method for preventing Gaucher disease type I in carrier couples. Since this disease is treatable, special ethical considerations and careful selection of couples should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheona Altarescu
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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