For the process they team of doctors used a genetic embryo screening process in advance of regular IVF treatment. Embryos produced by the couple during fertility treatment were analysed to check for chromosomal abnormalities. The embryos were grown for five or six days to blastocyst stage and then analysed in the laboratory to check all 46 chromosomes. Only those fully healthy embryos were considered suitable for IVF transfer.
In the latest technique, array CGH was used to test the embryos but then the cells were also cross-matched against DNA samples taken from the mouth cells of Mr. and Mrs. Riley. Mark Sedler, consultant fertility specialist at the Care Fertility clinic in Manchester said, "This has never been done before... This can give us a percentage confidence for the genetic testing... It can tell us whether the abnormality comes from the mother, from the father, or from both." He said, "Chromosomal abnormalities account for a large proportion of failed IVF cycles and miscarriage... This very early screening test allowed us to replace only chromosomally normal embryos... We are delighted that Elliott has brought such joy to mum and dad."
However, the technique costs £8500 (about R90 000) including the cost of IVF, genetic testing and freezing of spare embryos. Mr. Sedler said the treatment could be particularly useful for older women and will lead to more successful single rather than twin pregnancies. He added that 75% of patients treated with array CGH at Care, who each had one embryo put back, have now delivered a healthy baby.
Stuart Lavery, consultant gynaecologist at Imperial College London also said, "This research is exciting and what these live births are doing is adding to the debate and the evidence base for this technique... But before this is widely transported, it needs to be confirmed in larger trials." The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (Eshre) is currently considering launching a pan-European trial into array CGH.
