Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of chromosome translocations by analysis of polymorphic short tandem repeats.

Introduction: We aimed to develop and implement a short tandem repeat (STR) polymerase chain reaction alternative to fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of chromosomal translocations.

Methods: Selected informative STRs located on translocated arms of relevant chromosomes were used to discriminate between normal and unbalanced chromosome states in each embryo.

Results: PGD cycles were performed on five couples where one spouse carried a balanced translocation.

Ex vivo expansion of conjunctival and limbal epithelial cells using cord blood serum-supplemented culture medium.

Purpose: Conventional cell culture methods use fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a growth supplement. The purpose of this study was to develop a xenobiotic-free culture system using umbilical cord blood serum (CBS) as an alternative growth supplement for the cultivation of human conjunctival and limbal epithelial cells.

Methods: Human conjunctival and limbal epithelial cells were cultivated in varying concentrations of CBS-supplemented medium and compared with FBS-supplemented medium.

Simplified PGD of common determinants of haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome using multiplex-microsatellite PCR.

The high incidence of double-gene deletions in α-thalassaemia increases the risk of having pregnancies with homozygous α(0)-thalassaemia, the cause of the lethal haemoglobin (Hb) Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has played an important role in preventing such cases. However, the current gap-PCR based PGD protocol for deletional α-thalassaemia requires specific primer design for each specific deletion.

Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis of Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis in Singapore after fresh and frozen embryo replacement cycles.

Introduction: We report the fi rst successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis in Singapore, involving both fresh and frozen embryo replacement cycles.

Clinical Picture: Two couples who were carriers of the Southeast Asian type double gene deletion (--(SEA) deletion carriers) requested for PGD. Couple A had 2 previous affected pregnancies, while couple B have a child of unknown genotypic status.

First successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Singapore--avoidance of beta-thalassaemia major.

Introduction: We report on the first successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in Singapore.

Clinical Picture: A couple who are beta-thalassaemia carriers and have an affected daughter requested for PGD.

Treatment: Two cycles of PGD were performed on the couple.

Embryo donation: a review.

Background: Embryo donation is currently an uncommon procedure associated with many ethical, legal and psychosocial implications. It is, however, the only answer to infertility in some patients. This article summarizes the indications for embryo donation as well as the procedure and considerations in the preparation of both the donors and the recipients.