|
|
|
Genetic Blocking Cases
July 25, 2008 |
A sperm fertilizes an egg and an embryo is formed and months later a baby is
born. It’s biological science. But during that process genetics can also make
its mark leaving some babies destined to carry or develop diseases.
“One patient we know that she is a carrier for hemophilia. Half of her sons will
have hemophilia and then half of her daughters will be carrying it and then they
will be at risk for having children with hemophilia,” says Dr. Craig Sweet, a
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist. He says when a baby is
born with a disease like hemophilia that is something that can drastically
change the course and quality of their life. “Having a child with hemophilia if
one has a child like that you do the best you can but it’s not an easy life and
there may be significant illnesses and problems through life and lifespan is
generally compromised because of it.”
But now through pre-implantation genetic testing and in-vitro fertilization many
would-be parents may be able to prevent genetic diseases from being passed on.
“Not curing disease but really stopping it in its tracks this genetic disease
which has been destructive in their families in the past,” says Dr. Sweet.
The procedure is popular and attracting all different types of patients. In one
week Dr. Sweet treated three couples with three different genetic diseases;
hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington’s disease. “It’s very exciting;
we’re very happy to be a part of it we’re proud that the patients are here and
trusting us and that we’re all working together to achieve this goal.”
Dr. Sweet is one of the only specialists in Southwest Florida to perform this
procedure. He has been doing pre-implantation genetic testing for nearly four
years. Most couples receive a form of genetic counseling before they are
referred to an infertility specialist. |
|
|
|
