Circle of Innovation Preimplantation Genetic Diagnostics (PGD) 500 HEALTHY CHILDREN, 1,000 HAPPY PARENTS ANALYSIS OF ONE CELL + Preimplantation Genetic Diagnostics (PGD) prevents severe genetic disorders in neonates. + Parents with a strongly increased risk of having a child with a genetic disorder are eligible for PGD. + Only embryos without specific genetic disorders are implanted via IVF. + PGD avoids the risk of miscarriage and the difficult decision-making regarding a possible abortion. A HEALTHIER SOCIETY + For 20 years, we have developed techniques to examine the genetic material of only one cell: single-cell diagnostics. + Using a tiny amount of DNA, we can detect genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or hereditary breast cancer. + Mutations (‘errors’) in mitochondrial DNA are inherited only via the mother. This can lead to metabolic disorders that we can prevent by means of PGD. THE BEST START FOR A HEALTHY CHILD + We offer parents with a genetic disorder the prospect of a healthy child. + Ethical discussions initiated by our experts have led to the social acceptance of PGD, resulting in guidelines that have been adopted in Europe and the USA. + Maastricht UMC+ is the only medical centre with a PGD licence in the Netherlands and helps parents with genetic disorders from all over the country. + Maastricht UMC+ is world-leading in research into the ethical issues involved in PGD; we create preconditions for PGD application. + We work on continuous improvement of IVF. For example, the fluid in which the embryo grows has an impact on foetal development and birth weight. + We conduct research into the long-term effects of IVF and PGD. We follow the development of these children over the years. Maastricht UMC+ Circle of Innovation® Healthy living Creating value Generating knowledge Innovating healthcare
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