Abstract

Objective: This study presents the results of polar body genetic diagnosis (PbGD) used as selection tool of euploid oocytes, before their insemination by ICSI. This technique identifies five pairs of chromosomes [13, 16, 18, 21 & 22], in the first polar body of mature oocytes, obtained during an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure. Design and Setting: Infertile patients who consulted our Unit due to: recurrent miscarriage, more than two implantation failures or more than 38 years of age, between the years 2000 and 2011. Polar bodies were mechanically removed from mature oocytes, fixed and hybridized with a fluorescent probe and evaluated under epi-fluorescent microscope, identifying the five pairs of chromosomes. Results and Discussion: Overall, 79% of mature oocytes of women of all ages were evaluated. The global clinical pregnancy rate in the study group was 35.9 %. Historically, most women in this group had experienced either spontaneous abortions or implantation failures. When compared with age matched women having regular ART, pregnancy and abortion rates are not significantly different. Nevertheless, when compared to their previous cycles without PbGD, the results are significantly better. This methodology helps in the selection of oocytes before they are inseminated, which improves reproductive performance in selected patients.