ESHRE:
Discovery of fertility ‘fingerprints’ could answer IVF questions
(cz) Simple test could help women decide whether or not it is worth undertaking expensive IVF treatment, say scientists
The 30,000 women a year who undergo IVF may in the next few years be able to use a new blood test to tell them how likely they are to get pregnant, a conference heard today (July, 1st).
Scientists disclosed that they have discovered genetic markers in the blood which provide a fertility “fingerprint”. Although the research is still at an early stage, it could lead to women who are having fertility treatment being able to take a simple test that would help them decide whether or not it was worth undertaking treatment, which is expensive and both physically and emotionally demanding.
Researchers told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) that the genetic markers showed activity patterns in more than 200 genes which were different in women whose IVF treatment had succeeded or failed.
Study leader Dr Cathy Allen, from the Rotunda hospital in Dublin, said: “There does seem to be a particular signature that goes with early human pregnancy. We’re talking about a unique profile that has the potential to be used in future to predict IVF success or failure.
“The work is still in its infancy and has to be developed and validated, but we hope it will improve the blunt prognostic procedures we have now.”
Allen said the test could help women who have failed to conceive despite a history of IVF, who faced “very difficult decisions” about whether to continue with their treatment.
She and her colleagues analysed blood samples taken from the arms of women starting out on IVF. Five samples were from women who went on to become pregnant; three from those who did not conceive; and three others from sub-fertile women who achieved conception naturally. more…
From: »The Guardian«