Original Research From RMANJ Has Broad-Reaching Implications for Improving Success in IVF

MORRISTOWN, N.J., April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study conducted by Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (http://www.rmanj.com) has shown that an optimized method of Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) is the first technology capable of accurate aneuploidy screening (abnormal number of chromosomes) of all 24 chromosomes in four hours. This allows for same-day screening for chromosomal abnormalities with subsequent fresh embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (IVF).  The findings appear in the April 2012 issue of Fertility & Sterility (Volume 97, Issue 4) and were designated a "Seminal Contribution" due to their broad-reaching implications.

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"Results of the present study have demonstrated the validity of a new rapid method of preimplantation-stage DNA analysis in human blastocysts," said Richard T. Scott, M.D. "This advanced embryo screening technique has significant implications for the future of IVF.  Using CCS we are able to increase implantation rates, dramatically reduce miscarriage rates, and also reduce the need to transfer multiple embryos to achieve conception. The ultimate reproductive medicine goal of 'one embryo, one healthy baby' is now one large step closer to fruition."

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the economic costs associated with multiple births resulting from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are substantial and include both the immediate costs of maternal hospitalization and neonatal intensive care and the potential lifetime costs of care for chronic illness, rehabilitation and special education. Compared to singleton pregnancy and birth, the known costs associated with twin pregnancy and birth are increased four-fold, and for triplet pregnancy, and birth by 10-fold.(1)  Single embryo transfer (SET) has been recommended as the most certain way to minimize the risk of twins, however, the practice is rare, accounting for only 12% of embryo transfers in the United States (CDC, 2009).

Added Scott, "There is a significant health and economic impact associated with increasing the number of singleton births by maximizing the success of single embryo transfer in IVF."

About the Study

The prospective, randomized and blinded study was designed to measure the consistency of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnosis of aneuploidy compared with either conventional karyotyping of cell lines or microarray-based diagnoses of human blastocysts. Nine cell lines were obtained from a commercial cell line repository, and 71 discarded human blastocysts were obtained from 24 IVF patients that underwent preimplantation genetic screening.  Samples from nine cell lines with well-characterized karyotypes were diagnosed by qPCR with 97.6% (41/42) consistency.  After applying a minimum threshold for concurrence, 100% consistency was achieved. Developmentally normal blastocysts designated as aneuploid, or arrested blastocysts designated as euploid by single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray analyses, were assigned identical 24 chromosome diagnoses by qPCR in 98.6% of cases (70/71). Overall euploidy (n=37) and aneuploidy (n=34) were assigned with 100% consistency. Data was obtained for both sample types in 4 hours.(2)

Preliminary randomized clinical trial results of 24-chromosome aneuploidy screening with this new rapid-method CCS and subsequent fresh euploid blastocyst transfer indicate a significant increase in the success of IVF.(3) A retrospective study using this technology demonstrated improved delivery rates and reduced miscarriage rates after single embryo transfer.(4)  Further randomized controlled trials to investigate the clinical efficacy of this new rapid method of CCS are currently underway.

About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey have pioneered and successfully implemented a cutting-edge technology, known as Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) to more accurately detect healthy embryos that will lead to successful pregnancies and ultimately healthy babies. Other centers have attempted similar testing methods, but RMANJ is the only fertility center in the world to have developed a system of unprecedented accuracy, fully validated through years of rigorous clinical research. RMANJ's Comprehensive Chromosome Screening offers advanced embryo selection with extreme accuracy by detecting and avoiding use of embryos with chromosomal abnormalities prior to transfer and pregnancy.

The fertility experts at RMANJ have among the highest IVF success rates in the country. Since 1999, they have helped bring more than 20,000 babies to loving families.  In addition to serving as the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ, the practice has six locations in New Jersey. For more information please call RMANJ at 973-656-2089, or visit www.rmanj.com.

(1) American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Committee Opinion: Elective Single Embryo Transfer 2011. http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/News_and_Publications/Practice_Guidelines/Committee_Opinions/eSET-printable.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2012.

(2) Treff NR, Tao X, Ferry KM, Su J, Taylor D, Scott RT Jr. Development and validation of an accurate quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction–based assay for human blastocyst comprehensive chromosomal aneuploidy screening. FertilSteril 2012;97:819-24.

(3) Scott RT Jr, Tao X, Taylor D, Ferry K, Treff N. A prospective randomized controlled trial demonstrating significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates following 24 chromosome aneuploidy screening: biopsy and analysis on day 5 with fresh transfer. FertilSteril 2010;94:S2.

(4) Forman EJ, Tao X, Ferry KM, Taylor DM, Treff NR, Scott RT Jr. Single embryo transfer with comprehensive chromosome screening results in improved ongoing pregnancy rates and decreased miscarriage rates. Hum Reprod.  2012 Apr;27(4):1217-22

SOURCE Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey