Reliance is to set up a novel diagnostic test to detect low grade gonadal mosaicism, which is a low-grade chromosome defect in the ovary. This test is particularly useful for couples with recurrent in vitro fertilization failures, recurrent miscarriages, and couples over the age of 40 and for women with ovarian pathologies.
During, the process of Invitro fertilization, the mature eggs is aspirated from the stimulated ovaries. These ova are usually encapsulated in a follicle surrounded by some nutritive fluid. This follicular fluid can now be tested to detect any low grade genetic chromosomal abnormality that would decrease the chances of women getting pregnant.Dr. Patki and his team took 459 samples of follicular fluid and found 44 of them had chromosome abnormalities in the follicular fluid. Research showed that the ovaries had genetic abnormalities. Of the 44 cases, 25 percent got pregnant while 63 percent had miscarriages. “We tell such patients that heir chance s of pregnancy are very low and miscarriages very high. It is up to them then to go ahead with the IVF treatment, “said patki.
The test is a very simple test called FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization) technique and involves sophisticated equipment that screens hundreds of cells to detect these abnormalities. These would normally not be reflected in the blood. In addition to offering infertility tests, the centre now offers Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) and gynecology endoscopy. MFM is evolving specialties even in the west were pregnancies are monitored from the initial stages, to detect, and in some cases, correct any abnormalities in the baby.
Dr. Patki said, “We have also started offering workshops in advanced infertility treatment and fetal medicine to educate gynecologists in India and abroad regarding this new evolving specialty”.
