New Blood Test Could Predict Success of In-Vitro Fertilization

An estimated 30,000 women undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments each year. The possibility of a continuing pregnancy being achieved by IVF has improved dramatically from a nearly 0 percent chance to 1 chance in 4 to 6 at IVF centers worldwide. However, success rates continue to vary in predicting the probability of an IVF pregnancy. IVF treatments yield unpredictable results due to their success being dependent upon such variables as the age and reproductive health of both the hopeful mother and father.

IVF is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the womb in a controlled environment. A fertilized egg is then transferred to the woman’s uterus in hopes of establishing a successful pregnancy. IVF is an infertility treatment that couples turn to when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. Now, new research may have identified genetic predictors for the potential outcome for IVF patients.

Women who undergo IVF treatments may soon be able to take advantage of a new blood test that could predict their likelihood of pregnancy. Scientists have discovered genetic markers in the blood that provide a fertility “fingerprint” that could lead to the manufacture of a simple test that would assist women in their decision for or against IVF treatments based upon their chances for a successful pregnancy. The decision to undergo IVF treatments can be costly as well as both physically and emotionally demanding. Therefore, the advent of a test that could predict the success of IVF would be a major breakthrough.

Researchers from the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland presented their findings at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). They said that the newly discovered genetic markers showed activity patterns in over 200 genes and that those in women whose IVF treatment had succeeded were different from those in women for which the treatment had failed.

Regarding the findings, study lead Dr. Cathy Allen 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.” She also noted, “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 and her colleagues analyzed blood samples taken from women who were beginning IVF treatments. Five of the samples came from women who successfully became pregnant with IVF, while three came from those who did not conceive. In addition, three additional samples were from sub-fertile women who achieved conception naturally. According to Allen, the more than 200 genes that were expressed differently in patients who achieved an IVF pregnancy and in those who did not, involved processes that are important in achieving and maintaining pregnancy.

The test relies on microchip technology that utilizes a credit card-sized device to probe the activity levels of more than 30,000 genes. Gene activity can be measured by reading different patterns in a molecule called messenger RNA that relays genetic code instructions. Although the microchip technology used in the test is expensive, the cost is expected to fall as the technology is developed. At any rate, the cost of the test versus undergoing expensive IVF treatments could be a bargain for those with little likelihood of success.

Source: http://www.healthnews.com/