Taking a chromosomal test prior to IVF treatment may boost its chances of success, according to a new study.
Researchers have found that a test, array comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), could double the live birth rate for woman aged over 40 who are undergoing IVF. Chromosomal abnormalities can cause embryos to fail, even though they may appear healthy under the microscope.
The CGH method allows scientists to analyse chromosomes and then to take only the healthiest embryos, thereby increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy. The technique, first established in the UK, is available in several British clinics.
The study, which was conducted by Care Fertility clinics in Nottingham and Manchester, involved 134 couples undergoing 150 cycles of CGH. The average age of the women who took part was 41 and the results showed a live birth rate of 24.1% per embryo transfer in CGH patients, compared to 16.7% and 12.5% for the groups where the test was not used.
National IVF figures for woman aged 40-42 indicate the live birth rate to be just under 13%, suggesting that if CGH was to be used it could double the current rate.
Copyright Press Association 2012
Bounty
Bounty
