Non-invasive detection of genetic abnormalities raises IVF success rate – Gynaecologists

Fertility specialists are investigating new methods to increase the success rate as infertile couples turn to assisted reproductive technologies, such in vitro fertilization, to become parents.

IVF uses a non-invasive method called Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (NiPGT-A) to evaluate the chromosome composition of embryos without extracting cells for biopsy.

Experts claim that by allowing embryologists to choose embryos that have the best chance of developing into newborns, this technique lowers the possible hazards connected with conventional biopsy techniques.

Fertility experts pointed out that NiPGT-A uses novel methods that do not necessitate the actual biopsy of the embryo, in contrast to the risky traditional biopsy procedures. The study of genetic material from the culture media or other non-invasive sources surrounding the developing embryo is what it depends on instead.

They claim that this provides a safer and less stressful option for couples undergoing IVF treatments, in addition to removing the possible risks connected with the invasive biopsy.

A condition of the male or female reproductive system, infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of consistent, unprotected sexual activity.

According to a recent research by the World Health Organization, many people will experience infertility at some point in their lives.

According to the report, around 17.5% of adults, or one in six people globally, are infertile, highlighting the critical need to expand access to high-quality, reasonably priced reproductive care for those who require it.

In an interview, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, discussed the advantages of the NiPGT-A and the reasons in why infertility-challenged couples having IVF therapy ought to embrace it.

NIPGT-A uses non-invasive technology to identify genetic problems and improve fertility success without the risk of embryo biopsy, according to Ajayi, managing director of Nordica Fertility Centre in Lagos.

He claimed that by effectively examining embryos without extracting cells for biopsy, the NiPGT-A could lower the chance of implantation failure, recurrent miscarriages, and other issues.

A maternal health specialist pointed out that rather than removing cells from the embryo directly, it is possible to assess the chromosomal health of the embryo and spot any possible anomalies by looking at the culture medium surrounding the embryo, which contains shed fetal DNA.

According to Ajayi, the non-invasive process enhances the results of IVF treatments, highlighting the benefits of NiPGT-A over conventional preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A), which requires embryo biopsy.

The benefits are the same everywhere, he continued, but in this region of the world, cost is a crucial factor. Therefore, we think that this will lower expenses. However, what is the initial motivation behind IVF? It is so they can have children. Because we will be able to choose embryos that have the best chance of becoming kids, it will also increase the success rate of IVF.

Thus, shorten the time it takes for you to become pregnant after IVF so that we can select the greatest embryos for you, and now the cost is even reduced, and then, of course, the limited risk to embryos, also, that it is not likely that there is any embryo damage, because there is nothing invasive being done with embryos.”

He claims that the Nordica Fertility Centre invented the process, which is available in Nigeria, and that it is carried out following fertilization but prior to implantation.

The fertility specialist went on to say that genetic testing is necessary for a variety of reasons, particularly to determine the number of chromosomes, or the 23 pairs of strands that make up cells.

"You can tell when a number is out of the ordinary. There are twenty-three pairs of chromosomes because each pair should come from one parent. The sex chromosomes are the final pair. The statistics are clear when you look at these chromosomes. Aneuploidy, or an aberrant number of chromosomes, is the term used to describe situations in which there may be just one instead of two or three instead of two. This is recognized as the most frequent cause of implantation failure or even recurrent miscarriages.

Previously, the only method of screening for aneuploidy was to remove a sample from the embryo and examine it to see whether the number or structure of chromosomes was normal. However, there is now a non-invasive way to screen for aneuploidy," he stated.

Ajayi revealed that the non-invasive technique has greatly simplified the process and eliminated any concern about harming the embryo.

He went on to say, "The embryo is frozen in a safe state; you merely insert the blastocyst in the medium screen and scan the medium for chromosome abnormalities."

"Nordica Lagos is certified to conduct NIPGT-A and has successfully completed the validation process.

Generally speaking, the outcomes of invasive and non-invasive techniques must be identical. Nordica's validation procedure is exact; the success rate is 100% and the minimal concordance score is 80%. Being able to check for genetic abnormalities in their embryos without using an intrusive procedure is advantageous for patients and clients.

Ajayi voiced his worry that infertility had spread throughout Nigeria and that the Japanese syndrome had made matters worse.

According to him, almost one in four Nigerian couples typically struggle with conception.

Regarding the causes of infertility, he pointed out that infections and other conditions frequently affect both the men and the woman.

He suggested that infertile couples seek medical help.

Dr. Adeleke Kaka, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, voiced concern over the rising number of infertility cases among couples.

According to Kaka, men and women each contribute 30% to infertility in couples, with a combination of male and female variables potentially accounting for the other 40%.

The doctor pointed out that 40% of gynecological consultations in Nigeria were related to infertility, despite the fact that the country lacks reliable statistics on the condition.

Kaka advocated for more awareness of the reasons behind infertility in couples as well as the many forms of therapy that are accessible.