Attitude of at-risk subjects towards preimplantation genetic diagnosis of alpha- and beta-thalassaemias in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess whether preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was an acceptable alternative to prenatal diagnosis in couples at risk of giving birth to a child with alpha- or beta-thalassaemia in an Asian population.


METHODS
An information leaflet was distributed to the women at risk. They were asked to complete a questionnaire after having an interview with a designated investigator.


RESULTS
A total of 141 valid questionnaires were analysed; 82.3% of the women considered PGD either the same or better than conventional prenatal diagnosis. Women with an affected child or a subfertility problem were more willing to accept PGD and to undergo this procedure in their future pregnancies. Their main concern about PGD was damage to the embryo during the PGD procedure. The most important perceived advantage of PGD was avoidance of termination of an affected pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
PGD is an acceptable alternative to conventional prenatal diagnosis in women at risk of giving birth to a child with alpha- or beta-thalassaemia in an Asian population. This is particularly true in women with a subfertility problem and in women who already have an affected child.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Tsan Yuk Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
Pui Wah
PW
Hui
Yung Hang
YH
Lam
Min
M
Chen
Mary Hoi Yin
MH
Tang
William Shu Biu
WS
Yeung
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Ng
Pak Chung
PC
Ho
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006720:Homozygote; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017085:alpha-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*