Can Ivf Prevent Sickle Cell?

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data that showed that sickle cell disease (SCD) disproportionately affects blacks. In the United States, SCD occurs in about 1 out of every 365 black births. This means that black babies are about 100 times more likely to be born with SCD than white babies. The data also showed that SCD is the most common genetic blood disorder in the country and that about 1,000 babies are born with it each year.

There is no cure for SCD, but there are treatments that can help people manage the symptoms and complications. One way to prevent SCD is to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD is a test that can be done during IVF to identify embryos that do not have the sickle cell gene. This allows couples who are at risk for having a child with SCD to have a baby that is not affected by the disease.

While there is no guarantee that IVF with PGD will prevent SCD, it is a promising option for couples who are at risk for the disease. It is important to discuss your options with a genetic counselor or other healthcare provider before making a decision about whether or not to pursue IVF with PGD.

Sickle cell disease is a chronic blood disorder that is inherited, affecting mostly African-Americans. The disorder results when the hemoglobin gene mutates, causing the red blood cells to assume an abnormal, crescent shape when oxygen is low. These malformed cells get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to tissues and organs. This can cause pain, organ damage, and anemia. There is no cure for sickle cell disease, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.