Neonatal outcome of preimplantation genetic diagnosis by polar body removal: The first 109 infants

Context. Our center developed the technique of preimplantation genetic diag nosis (PGD) by sequential polar body removal (PBR) for the diagnosis of Men delian disorders and aneuploidies. This study examines the obstetric and ne onatal outcome of the first 109 live births after PGD by PBR. Objective. To determine if there were any observable effects of PGD by PBR on perinatal morbidity and mortality, birth defects, and growth parameters. Design. Data on perinatal outcome were gathered for the first 109 infants b y parental reporting and confirmed by telephone interview and chart review when indicated. In infants >6 months old, a follow-up telephone interview w as performed establishing the developmental milestones attained by the chil d. Setting. A research center conducting an institutional review board-approve d research protocol in PGD. Patients. All patients who had PGD by PBR who had clinical pregnancies. Main Outcome Measures. Gestational age, mode of delivery, perinatal mortali ty, birth weight, birth length, the presence of birth defects, and developm ental milestones. Results. There was no significant decrease in birth length or weight, or th e frequency of small for gestational age infants. No specific pattern of bi rth defects was observed. Conclusion. Thus far, there are no observable detrimental effects of PGD by PBR on children born after the procedure.