One of the leading IVF units in Europe, Embryolab, based in Thessaloniki, organized an informational meeting on Friday, December 19. In this meeting Embryolab presented to scientists the lab and clinical results of an eight year study on the preimplantation diagnosis.

The title of the event was “Results of Preimplantation Diagnosis in Embryolab: Monogenic Diseases & Aneuploidy Control (2007-2014)”. The meeting consisted of three modules: a) Indications of Preimplantation Diagnosis, presented by Ms. Alexia Chatziparasidou, Clinical Embryologist and Head of Laboratory Department of Embryolab, b) Clinical Evaluation: Effectiveness and Limitations, which was presented by Dr. Nikos Christoforidis, Assisted reproductive Gynecologist and Head of the Clinical Department of Embryolab and c) Genetic Counseling in Preimplantation Diagnosis, presented by Mrs. Glykeria Samolada, Cytogenetisist- Genetic Counsellor and Head of the Laboratory of Cytogenetics of Embryolab.

First of all, it is extremely important that it is the first time that clinical and laboratory findings are presented, taking into account data from such a long period of research and using a large sample of preimplantation diagnosis facts. The statistical results always help scientists to be more accurate during counseling with couples, especially when they are based on laboratory and clinical results from the unit itself and not generally from international literature. Remarkably, during the conference, presented birth rates following treatment with preimplantation diagnosis and not only the positive pregnancy tests, so the results are more accurate and reliable as they arrive to the final desired purpose and not only at the beginning of pregnancy. This statistical parameter (birth rate /live-birth rate) is often omitted, in statistical processing of relevant data measurement, in the literature. The statistical results of Unit confirm that the method of preimplantation diagnosis is highly efficient and extremely valuable, as it helps couples with a history of hereditary diseases, and women in older age, who wish to control embryos for possible chromosomal syndromes that occur most often in older ages.

Characteristically, according to the results of this study, the healthy child birth rate is doubled, in relation to international literature, for the group of women older age (> 35) and overburdened profile – eg history with a series of recurrent miscarriages- who are presenting higher chances of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, when applied preimplantation diagnosis in advance for the control of aneuploidy, meaning chromosomal charges. Additionally, the data of this study showed that one out of two overloaded couples will acquire a healthy child after preimplantation diagnosis for control of hereditary diseases and more specifically monogenic diseases, such as thalassemia and cystic fibrosis. It is important to note that this diagnosis refers mainly to younger couples (<35), which purpose is to test the embryos for hereditary diseases, without necessarily the existence of a conception problem.

During the presentation, special reference was given to the work of the International Embryolab Academy, which is a vehicle transmission of knowledge and laboratory and clinical experience of the Unit, especially in the area of pre-implantation diagnosis. Embryolab Academy is created in Thessaloniki to promote the science of IVF. More than 155 scientists of gynecology, embryology and cryogenetics from 32 countries of Europe, America, Australia, Asia and Africa participate each semester in the work Academy to discuss new techniques and to comment on the findings of their research constantly improving quality, safety and effectiveness of science.

Finally, in the third module, a presentation of the service genetics counselling was given by Mrs. Glykeria Samolada. It acquires scientific interest of special importance that the contribution of genetics sector counseling, with research and clinical documentation, is considered as totally necessary in assisted reproduction as it can determine proven and with very high accuracy the probability that a couple has to acquire a healthy child utilizing the process of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. It is noteworthy that the genetic counseling service is provided within minimum IVF units in Greece and Europe.