Preimplantation genetic diagnosis on in vitro fertilization clinic websites: presentations of risks, benefits and other information.
OBJECTIVE
To examine information on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) presented on IVF clinic websites.


METHODS
We systematically sampled every third IVF clinic on the 2004 Centers for Disease Control provider list.


METHODS
The Internet.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Benefits, risks, and other types of information mentioned regarding PGD.


RESULTS
Of 135 sites examined, 88.1% had websites, and 70% mentioned PGD, of which 27% were university- or hospital-based and 63% were private clinics. Sites mentioning PGD listed uses and benefits of PGD far more than the risks involved. Of these sites, 76% described testing for single-gene diseases, but fewer mentioned risks of missing target diagnoses (35%) or risks for loss of embryo (18%), and 14% described PGD as new or controversial. Private clinics were more likely than other programs to be on either the East or West Coast, list certain PGD risks (e.g., diagnostic error), note that PGD was new or controversial, reference source of PGD information, provide accuracy rates of genetic testing of embryos, and offer gender selection for social reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
Most IVF clinics advertise PGD online, but the scope and quality of information about it varies widely, emphasizing benefits while minimizing risks. Clinics and patients may benefit from more thorough and consistent presentation of PGD, drawing on available evidence to best provide a realistic portrayal of PGD.
Klitzman
Robert
R
College of Physicians and Surgeons and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York. Electronic address: rlk2@columbia.edu.
Zolovska
Beata
B
Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Folberth
William
W
Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Sauer
Mark V
MV
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Chung
Wendy
W
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Appelbaum
Paul
P
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment