DNA to transform fertility treatment

Published on Tuesday 13 May 2008 22:11

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

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

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 done 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 conducted in Athens opens up the possibility of far more accurate screening of IVF embryos.

By using this ability to match embryos and babies, scientists can now search for the definitive genetic hallmarks of a successful pregnancy. Once they are recognised, it will be possible to single out and implant only those embryos with a high chance of producing a live birth.

Instead of placing a number of embryos in a woman's womb, doctors may in future need to transfer only one, and still be confident of success.

As a result, not only would pregnancy rates improve, but IVF multiple births would cease to be a problem.

Most women undergoing IVF treatment have two or more embryos implanted to maximise their chances of becoming pregnant.

Because of the practice, twins make up one in four IVF births. Among natural births, just one in 80 produces twins.

Scientists hope the research, reported in Human Reproduction, will make IVF treatment less of a gamble.