What Genetic Diseases Can PGD Test For?
Numerous diseases and disorders classified as either chromosomal disorders, single gene defects or sex-linked disorders can be tested for through PGD. Specific chromosomes are tested for specific disorders, including: • Chromosome 13: Breast and ovarian cancers, deafness, Wilson Disease • Chromosome 15: Marfan Syndrome, Tay-Sach’s Disease • Chromosome 16: Polycystic kidney disease, Alpha thalassemia • Chromosome 17: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease • Chromosome 18: Niemann-Pick Disease, pancreatic cancer • Chromosome 21: Down’s Syndrome • Chromosome X: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Turner’s Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome • Chromosome Y: Acute myeloidleukemia A newer technology, called MicroArray, will soon allow for the assessment of all 23 chromosome pairs instead of the 9 or 10 chromosomes currently tested. Why consider genetic testing with PGD ? Unfortunately, for women ages 40-44, 50 -100% of their eggs may be genetically abnormal, causing infertility but also significantly increasing the
