Singleton birth after preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington disease using whole genome amplification.

OBJECTIVE

To report a successful case of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Huntington disease using whole genome amplification.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University assisted reproduction unit.

PATIENT(S): A couple with family history of Huntington disease: The husband was carrying the expanded allele of the IT15 gene, and the wife had the normal allele.

INTERVENTION(S): Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with whole genome amplification for identification of genetically normal embryos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live birth.

RESULT(S): In an IVF cycle, 15 oocytes were retrieved, of which 13 were mature and 11 were fertilized. On day 3, embryo biopsy and PGD were performed on ten good-quality embryos. Multiple displacement amplification was conducted, followed by polymerase chain reaction with fluorescence primers. Three pairs of primers were used for the amplification of the IT15 gene at the: 1) trinucleotide expansion site; 2) trinucleotide expansion site plus the polymorphic site situated on its 3'-end; and 3) polymorphic marker located downstream of the trinucleotide repeats. Two normal blastocysts were replaced on day 5 and another two good-quality blastocysts were cryopreserved. The woman gave birth to a normal baby girl whose normal genetic status was confirmed by prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSION(S): Whole genome amplification by multiple displacement amplification can be used for PGD of Huntington disease.