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CCS Breakthrough Technique Identifies Genetic Embyro Abnormalities

Posted by Grant Speer on Mon, Jan 10, 2011
  
  
  
  
Norwalk, CT (January 11, 2010) – Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) recently participated in a breakthrough study titled "A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrating Significantly Increased Clinical Pregnancy Rates Following 24-Chromosome Aneuploidy Screening: Biopsy and Analysis on Day 5 with Fresh Transfer," which was led by Infertility Specialist Richard Scott, M.D. and Nathan Treff, Ph.D., of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ), an affiliate of RMACT.  

About the Study

CCS Comprehensive Chromosome Screening Embryo ScreeningThis study, which earned the top research award from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in October 2010, examined technology that is the first and only fully validated system to reliably evaluate all chromosomes in a small biopsy obtained from an embryo during in vitro development. This is the first and only prospectively randomized trial showing real benefit from Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and RMACT is the only fertility practice in New England to offer it.  

“This technology will revolutionize reproductive medicine,” said infertility doctor Mark Leondires, M.D., Medical Director of RMACT and Lead Physician for RMACT on the Clinical Study. “The purpose is to identify the best embryos for a healthy pregnancy.  By selecting chromosomally normal embryos without damaging them, pregnancy rates were dramatically increased to more than 90 percent and miscarriage rates were lower compared to the control group. This data is historic in its nature and implications.”

Sustained implantation rates were 75 percent in the study group, much higher than compared to 56 percent in the control group.  Clinical pregnancies, which are a typical result of genetic abnormalities, were significantly lower in the study group (60 percent) than versus the control group (92 percent).

“Our goal is one embryo, one healthy baby," said Dr. Scott.  "So, the driving force behind most of our research is to assess reproductive competency to better predict which embryo will most likely produce one healthy baby.  This is the first study of its kind that has shown dramatically improved clinical pregnancy rates with blastocyst biopsy, 24 Chromosome Aneuploidy Screening and fresh embryo transfer.  Though similar screening technologies are being marketed, none have been validated through the critical studies, culminating with a randomized clinical trial, which provides this high level of medical evidence.”  

The procedure starts when a couple goes through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); the embryo is then grown to the blastocyst stage and a small biopsy of five to 10 cells is taken from the embryo on day five to six days of life. The biopsy sample then goes through computer analysis to identify any abnormalities among the chromosomes.  This process identifies chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome before the embryo is transferred into the female patient’s uterus. This error rate of the technology is less than one percent in more than 4,000 embryos tested.

What separates this technique of Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) from other PGS processes is that the embryo is able to grow for five or six days, allowing the cells to split and the chromosomal analysis to be more accurate.  In addition, since the technology can be used to find small breaks in chromosomes and even single gene disorders it defines itself as the most robust and reliable technology for evaluating pre-conception embryos available.  RMANJ has previously shown 24 chromosome analysis technology to be significantly more reliable than other existing methods.  However, with this latest clinical study, the new technology has been improved because it no longer requires freezing embryos for weeks before thaw and use.  The breakthrough is based on a shorter timeline, which has better results; the same comprehensive screening is conducted within hours instead of days.  It is the first technology of its kind that allows for assessment of blastocysts and still enables a fresh embryo transfer, which generally has a higher success rate than freezing embryos.

The study included patients seeking IVF who were less than 43 years old and had no more than one prior failed IVF cycle.  The control group underwent routine care and typical screening methods, whereas the study group underwent biopsy of the blastocyst and CCS on day five.  
 
In a related retrospective evaluation presented with this research, the study shows that this new technology dramatically decreases the occurrence of abnormal pregnancies such as Down or Turner syndromes.  This technology will allow women in their late thirties and forties, who normally have a high risk for genetic abnormalities, to nearly eliminate these risks and thereby maximize their chances for a successful pregnancy with in-vitro fertilization.  CCS represents a major step forward in helping patients have healthy pregnancies and thereby allowing them to choose a single embryo transfer to minimize the risk of twins.  

“A singleton pregnancy is the safest for mother and baby,” stated Leondires.  “This technology will allow couples to choose a single embryo transfer without jeopardizing their chance for success.  It is truly an amazing advance which will change the landscape of reproductive medicine in the future for both patient and physicians.”  

Infertility affects 7.3 million Americans and for 20 percent of infertility patients the cause is unknown, according to The National Infertility Association.  Through 24 chromosome aneuploidy screening, fertility doctors can determine which embryos are normal, increase healthy pregnancies while at the same time reduce the number of miscarriages.  The technology will transform reproductive medicine and instill confidence in transferring only one embryo, leading to fewer multiple gestations. In addition, for patients who have had several miscarriages, it can enable them to make informed decisions about their next steps, such as working with an egg donor.

About RMACT
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) specializes in the treatment of infertility.  With Connecticut fertility clinics and egg donation offices in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, and affiliate New York fertility clinics serving Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including IVF, egg donation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGS). The RMACT team of fertility doctors includes Drs. Mark P. Leondires, Spencer S. Richlin, Joshua M. Hurwitz and Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies.  RMACT’s IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized infertility treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Support services, such as, infertility treatment financing, psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit, http://www.RMACT.com.


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Connecticut Fertility Clinic Appoints New Lab Director Dr. Dawn Kelk

Posted by Robin Mangieri on Tue, Jul 21, 2009
  
  
  
  
Norwalk, CT July 21, 2009 - Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) - Fairfield County's largest fertility clinic - announced today that Dr. Dawn Kelk, Ph.D, H.CL.D. has joined RMACT as its Laboratory Director. Kelk who has worked in reproductive medicine and embryology for over 15 years is responsible for all clinical laboratory functions in RMACT's laboratories, including embryology/ in vitro fertilization (IVF) , andrology and endocrinology.

"It is a pleasure for me to join the accomplished team of fertility doctors at RMACT. The group's outstanding reputation, integrity and level of attention and personalized care that everyone at RMACT extends to each and every patient is unsurpassed," said Dr. Dawn Kelk. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and respected team."

"I am delighted to have Dr. Kelk join RMACT," said Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director, RMACT. "She has an impressive track record of excellent pregnancy rates for IVF and other reproductive technologies, and is a recognized expert in the areas of embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) , intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), blast culture, elective single embryo transfer, in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture; She will be an important addition to our infertility treatment team."

Connecticut Fertility Clinic RMACT Labratory Director Dr. Dawn KelkDr. Kelk is board certified with H.C.L.D. certification in Embryology and Andrology, and has a Ph.D in BioMedical Sciences from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She earned a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics as well as a Masters in Science from the same institution.

Dr. Kelk is a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Reproductive Laboratory Technologists Professional Group (RLTPG) and Reproductive Biology Professional Group (RBPG). She serves on the ASRM abstract grading committee for RBPG, RLTPG and SART, and has lectured widely throughout the US and Canada.

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) specializes in the treatment of infertility. With fertility clinic and egg donation offices in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, CT, and an affiliate office in Rye, NY, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from basic fertility services including ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg Donation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT physician team includes, Dr. Mark P. Leondires, Dr. Spencer S. Richlin, Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, and Dr. Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT's IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized fertility treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Support services, such as, affordable IVF financing, psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit, www.RMACT.com


fertility clinics in Connecticut (CT) and New York (NY)
In Vitro Fertilization.

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IVF Treatment Pregnancy Rates Improve with Laser Acupuncture

Posted by Robin Mangieri on Tue, May 26, 2009
  
  
  
  

Infertility Study Confirms Laser Acupuncture Improves IVF Pregnancy Rates

RMACT the only fertility clinic in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture treatments for IVF fertility treatments.

Norwalk, CT  May 28, 2009 -- Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) announced today the results of a recently conducted survey that showed the use of laser acupuncture performed both before and after embryo transfer during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, improves a women's chances of implantation by up to 15%. Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese method of using pin-point thin needles placed at strategic "energy points" around the body to improve functioning and promote natural healing. Growing medical evidence indicates that acupuncture may improve a woman's chance of conceiving when performed in conjunction with IVF fertility treatments. Today, acupuncture is frequently used by women with infertility issues to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress and improve blood flow to the pelvic area and uterine lining. The study, one of the largest clinical trials ever conducted on acupuncture, had 1,000 participants who were randomly assigned to one of five study groups. The first group received traditional acupuncture, the second group received laser acupuncture, while the third or "placebo group" thought (along with the acupuncturist and physician) that they also received laser acupuncture. The fourth, relaxation group lay in a dimly light room with soft music, and the last group received no treatment at all. All treatments were administered for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.

 

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"The results of this large prospective study are exciting in that they provide additional support in showing that acupuncture has a direct effect on improving fertility," said Amy Matton, a licensed acupuncturist at RMACT. "Like traditional acupuncture, laser acupuncture uses low level light to regulate qi and help balance the body. Laser acupuncture is a viable alternative form of fertility treatment for people who may have a fear of needles."     

"This exciting, first-of-its-kind study offers another tool to help couples achieve pregnancy, with only two painless treatments" said Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director at RMACT. "Our customized patient programs, personal attention, and leading research and technology, enable RMACT to provide each of our patients with the latest and most effective fertility treatment possible."


RMACT_IVF_Fertility_Treatment_Laser

RMACT IVF Fertility Treatment Laser 

Currently, RMACT is the only fertility center in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture. All of RMACT's licensed acupuncturists have been trained in the use of laser acupuncture. To make an appointment or to learn more, call (800) 865-5431, or contact us via our Fertility Clinic Contact Form

RMACT Fertility Clinic and Egg Donation offices specialize in the treatment of infertility. With fertility clinics in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, CT, and an affiliate office in Rye, NY, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from basic fertility services including ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg Donation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT physician team includes, Dr. Mark P. Leondires, Dr. Spencer S. Richlin, Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, and Dr. Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT's IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Fertility treatment support services, such as psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. 

To view Abstract published in the November 2008 issue of Fertility and Sterility, The Official Journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: , click here: IVF Fertility Treatment Laser Acupuncture Abstract 


 

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Training of providers in embryo transfer: what is the minimum number of transfers required for proficiency?

Posted by Robin Mangieri on Mon, Jun 16, 2008
  
  
  
  

Human Reproduction, Vol. 16, No. 7, 1415-1419, July 2001
© 2001 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

Theocharis C. Papageorgiou1, Rhonda M. Hearns-Stokes1, Mark P. Leondires2, Bradley T. Miller2, Prabir Chakraborty3, David Cruess4 and James Segars1,5

1 Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, NICHD, Building 10, Room 9D42, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and 4 Department of Biometrics and Preventive Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA.

BACKGROUND: Embryo transfer represents one of the most critical procedures in the practice of assisted reproduction. The objective of this study was to identify retrospectively the minimum number of embryo transfers required to train providers properly in this skill. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group consisted of 204 patients who received embryo transfers between January 1996 and March 2000 in a university-based programme of assisted reproduction. The main outcome measure was clinical pregnancies per embryo transfer. Five Fellow trainees performed a total of 204 embryo transfers for an overall pregnancy rate of 45.5% per embryo transfer (93/204). In comparison, the programme pregnancy rate per transfer for experienced providers was 47.3% (560/1179). A chronological graph of each individual trainee's experience for the first 50 embryo transfers performed suggested a lower initial pregnancy rate for three of the five trainees. To determine whether a learning curve might exist, results of the first 25 transfers were compared as a subgroup with the second 25 transfers. Pregnancy rates were lower for the 1-25 transfer subgroup than in the 26-50 subgroup for three of the five Fellow trainees, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Clinical pregnancy rates of Fellows-in-training were indistinguishable statistically from those of experienced staff by 50 transfers.

Click Here To Read full Assisted Reproduction: Embryo Transfer Study

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Fertility Doctors from RMACT Quoted in Press

Posted by Robin Mangieri on Tue, May 30, 2006
  
  
  
  


2006


United Press International (UPI), LIFESTYLE MAY AFFECT FERTILITY RATES, in a story about
lifestyle issues affecting fertility, Jan 6, 2006

2005


American Baby, AN INFERTILE START, in a story about infertility, August 2005
Connecticut Post, EMOTIONAL IMPACT, EXPERTS LOOK AT THE ROLE STRESS PLAYS IN
PREGNANCY LOSS, about stress and miscarriage, 3/1/05
Connecticut Post, FRUITFUL STUDY, about IVF twins, 4/14/2005
Connecticut Post, WHAT BIOLOGICAL CLOCK? WOMEN WANT OPTION TO FREEZE EGGS, in a
piece about freezing eggs, 8/4/2005
Connecticut Post, YOUNG WOMAN FACES FERTILITY PROBLEMS, about Kassandra Vaughn
Harper's problem with fertility, 9/4/05
Connecticut Post about RMA baby reunion, November 6, 2005
ePregnancy Magazine, SMARTER IVF, in a piece about IVF, February 2005
Fairfield County Business Journal, FERTILITY CLINICS EXPECT NEW LAW TO BRING PATIENTS,
in a piece about insurers and IVF, July 18, 2005
Forbes.com, STUDY LINKS STRESS TO MISCARRIAGE, in a piece about stress and miscarriage,
August 4, 2005
Greenwich Times, STATE MOM CHRONICLES BATTLE WITH INFERTILITY, about Kassandra Vaughn
Harper's problem with fertility, Sept 19, 2005
Infertility Times, NEW STUDY LINKS STRESS TO MISCARRIAGE, about miscarriage, Feb/Mar 2005
Infertility Times, NEW TREATMENTS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME OFFER HOPE FOR
MILLIONS, about pcos, May 2005
Infertility Times, FOR EGG DONORS, PROVIDING A WAY OUT OF INFERTILITY'S DEPAIR IS BEST
REWARD, about egg donation, June 2005
iParenting.com, THE OVERSEAS CONNECTION, A TRIP ACROSS THE OCEAN MAY SOLVE
FERTILITY PROBLEMS, about ART, Spring 2005
News-Times (Danbury CT), 40ISH WOULD-BE PARENTS DISCOVER HOPE, HELP IN NEW
FERTILITY CLINIC, in a feature piece on RMA, 3/6/05
News-Times (Danbury CT), CANCER DRUG AIDS WOMEN'S FERTILITY, in a piece about a cancer
drug for infertility, 7/11/05
News-Times (Danbury CT) in a story about fertility and freezing eggs, 10/10/05
Preconception.com, FINDING A LINK, about stress and miscarriage, June 2005
Pregnancy & Baby, NEW PROCEDURE CAN PREVENT GENETIC DISEASE BEFORE PREGNANCY,
in a piece about PGD, Spring 2005
Record Journal, YOUNG WOMEN FACING HURDLES, about Kassandra Vaughn Harper's problem with
fertility, Sept 18, 2005
WebMD, CAN YOU TIME YOUR PREGNANCY? in a piece about timing your pregnancy, July 2005
WebMD, FAST-TRACK YOUR CONCEPTION, in a story about fast tracking pregnancy, July 2005
Woman's World, MASSAGE MADE HER A MOM, about massage and fertility. January 11, 2005
Woman's World, WILL I HAVE ANOTHER MISCARRIAGE? in a piece about miscarriage, May 17, 2005

2004 and earlier


Connecticut Parent, FERTILITY THERAPY GIVES HOPE TO OLDER WOMEN, in a story about fertility
and older women. April 2004
Connecticut Post in a story about infertility and depression, 11/ 11/ 2004
Connecticut Post, COUPLE'S INFERTILITY OFTEN LINKED TO MEN, BUT FIXABLE, in a story about
men and fertility. 6/ 20/ 2004
ePregnancy Magazine, CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP YOU CONCEIVE?, in an article about acupuncture
and fertility. October 2004
ePregnancy Magazine, PRECONCEPTION TROUBLESHOOTING, in an article about fertility
troubleshooting. June 2004
First for Women Magazine on Stress's effects, February 16, 2004
Norwalk Citizen in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, August 13, 2004
Norwalk Hour, COULD WE BE INFERTILE, in a piece about infertility, April 19, 2004
Norwalk Hour in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June 23, 2004
Norwalk Hour about depression and infertility. November 1, 2004
Organic Magazine, LONGING FOR A BABY, in a piece about natural fertility, July/Aug 2004
Pregnancy & Baby, NEW PROCEDURE CAN PREVENT GENETIC DISEASE BEFORE PREGNANCY,
in a piece about PGD, February 2004
Pregnancy Magazine, INFERTILITY ESCAPE, in a story about infertility escapes. September 2004
PregnancyToday.com, GO FOR IT, 9 REASONS WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO HAVE A BABY, in
a story the best time to have a baby. June 2004
Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Times, BUNDLE OF JOY, in a story about greeting a son born via
medical miracle. April 21, 2004
Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Times in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June
9, 2004
StamfordTimes, INCREASING YOUR CHANCES OF PREGNANCY, in a piece about increasing your
chances of pregnancy, 3/14/04
StamfordTimes in a news item about Dr. Spencer Richlin joining RMA, June 13, 2004
Westchester Parent Magazine, NEEDLES OF HOPE: ACUPUNCTURE AND INFERTILITY, November
2004 

 

 

www.rmact.com/pdf/newsquotes(1).pdf

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