Blastocyst biopsy versus cleavage stage biopsy and blastocyst transfer for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of β-thalassaemia:: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Trophectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst stage is an emerging approach in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This study aimed to compare genotyping success and implantation rates in PGD cycles for beta-thalassaemia following biopsy at the cleavage versus the blastocyst stage, with transfer of blastocysts. METHODS: This pilot study included 20 cycles: Group A: 10 cycles, day 3 blastomere biopsy, day 5 transfer; Group B: 10 cycles, day 5 trophectoderm biopsy, day 6 transfer. Standard-assisted reproduction and laser biopsy procedures were used. Biopsied cells were genotyped using real-time PCR multiplexed with fluorescent microsatellite analysis. RESULTS: In Group A, 131 fertilized eggs developed to 101 embryos suitable for single blastomere biopsy; 76/101 blastomeres were diagnosed (75.2%), 30 unaffected blastocysts were transferred resulting in six pregnancies (eight fetal hearts, 26.7% implantation rate). In Group B, 128 fertilized eggs developed to 53 blastocysts for trophectoderm biopsy (four to five cells), with 50153 blastocysts diagnosed (94.3%), 21 unaffected blastocysts transferred and 6 pregnancies initiated (10 fetal hearts, 47.6% implantation rate). Overall, nine pregnancies reached > 10 weeks gestation and were confirmed unaffected by prenatal diagnosis, with 12 healthy babies born. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that trophectoderm biopsy and blastocyst transfer may be more advantageous than cleavage stage biopsy with respect to outcome of PGD for monogenic diseases.