UAE: After losing first baby to rare genetic disorder, Dubai couple welcomes miracle child via IVF
When Aysha and Ahmed (names changed upon request) married in 2019, they were excited about their future and planned to grow their family. Aysha soon conceived, and the couple was overjoyed.
However, their happiness was short-lived as one of the several tests during pregnancy revealed that the foetus was affected by Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). The couple's first child did not survive.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes excessive growth in different body parts. Babies born with BWS are often larger than usual, and some may experience disproportionate growth on one side of the body, a condition known as hemihyperplasia.
Although children affected by BWS may grow taller than their peers, the condition typically slows down by age 8, and adult height tends to be normal. Despite the promising recovery with age, BWS increases the risk of childhood cancers, making it a difficult condition for parents.
Aysha and Ahmed, originally from Jordan and long-time residents of Dubai, were heartbroken after losing their first child. But they were determined not to let the condition affect their future children.
'We learned that one of us carried the genetic mutation for BWS. We really wanted a healthy pregnancy and child, so we decided to go for in vitro fertilisation (IVF),' said Aysha.
After undergoing IVF treatment, Aysha and Ahmed were able to welcome a healthy baby boy. Their son was free from the genetic disorder thanks to advanced fertility treatments and genetic testing. "We are very happy that our son is healthy and disease-free," said the mother.
The couple consulted doctors at Orchid Fertility Clinic, where the team used Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Diseases (PGT-M) to prevent the hereditary condition from being passed down.
Dr Dimitrios Kafetzis, the medical director at Orchid Fertility, explained the challenges the couple faced, including advanced maternal age and a history of miscarriages. 'Our team employed a combination of advanced genetic screening and IVF techniques to help the couple conceive a healthy child while minimising the risk of passing on BWS,' said Dr Kafetzis.
The IVF process began with ovarian stimulation over four cycles, resulting in the retrieval of 57 mature eggs. These eggs were fertilised via Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and 41 embryos developed. 'Genetic testing identified seven embryos that were free of the BWS mutation, and further screening for chromosomal abnormalities narrowed the selection down to two viable embryos, one of which was successfully implanted,' said Dr Kafetzis.
'The pregnancy progressed well, and the baby was born healthy,' said Maria Banti, lab director at Orchid Fertility. 'This case demonstrates the potential of reproductive genetics in preventing inherited conditions and ensuring better outcomes for families facing genetic challenges.'
Now, the couple is determined to expand their family. They have embarked on their second round of IVF, hopeful that they will be blessed with another child free from genetic disorders.
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