title: Preimplantation prenatal diagnosis.
abstract: Preimplantation prenatal diagnosis refers to the application of molecular genetic techniques to the assessment of gametes before conception or to early embryos before implantation. Such techniques could allow couples at significant risk for a variety of known genetic diseases to use assisted reproductive technology in achieving pregnancies that are free of the genetic disorder in question. The techniques, their risks, benefits, limitations, and potential applications are described, and recent experiences with human pregnancies are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: McGowan
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008846:Micromanipulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA