Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in India: The Current Scenario and Potential Developments

Abstract

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is the selective process undertaken during the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure to diagnose genetic abnormalities in the embryos using various genetic techniques and implant only those embryos that are devoid of genetic abnormalities. It was established in the 1990s and is still a developing technology in India. This review summarizes the need for widespread and competent PGD centres equipped with advanced diagnostic techniques to reduce disease burden upon the country’s economy and the requirement for sufficient education of the general population on the advantages of PGD. Issues such as high frequency of consanguinity and genetic disorders such as hemoglobinopathies especially thalassemia can be addressed with the use of PGD. There also needs to be awareness campaigns that help enhance knowledge in this field to improve its use such as reducing the dilemma of increased congenital anomalies in consanguineous unions and prevent its misuse such as preimplantation sex selection and sex based discrimination.

Keywords

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis - Assisted reproductive techniques - Fluorescent in situ hybridization - Thalassemia - Sex selection

Publication History

Received: 15 January 2018

Accepted: 08 February 2018

Article published online:
08 May 2023