WERLIN'S RESEARCH ANSWERS QUESTIONS REGARGING CAUSES
FOR IVF FAILURE IN WOMEN OF ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE

Irvine, CA- Dr. Lawrence B. Werlin presented his findings about data he generated regarding In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) failure in women of advanced maternal age (AMA) at the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society's 50th Annual Conference earlier this year. Pacific Coast Reproductive Society is a specialty society offering exposure to practicing physicians, academicians and researchers who are among the leading experts in the field of reproductive medicine and infertility.

The data collected by Dr. Werlin looked at Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. PGD is a genetic testing tool integrated by Dr. Werlin into his Fertility practice in Southern California early last year. It allows for the detection of abnormalities in three-day-old embryos via DNA probes and was used to evaluate the possible cause of IVF failure in women with AMA. Women with AMA are defined as being 38 years of age or older.

"PGD has expanded our ability to explore the issue of IVF failure for these seemingly healthy women," Dr. Werlin said. "Through PGD we were able to assess the chromosomal makeup of embryos in infertile women 38 years or older. Our findings offer women who fit this profile a greater understanding of how to proceed through the IVF process."

A total of 21 women ranging in age from 38 to 44 were evaluated. The data concluded that 70% of the embryos in this group of women were abnormal. Of these patients, 30% had no healthy embryos at all to transfer.

Dr. Werlin also said "the likelihood is that women of AMA will experience a repetitive phenomenon and continue producing abnormal embryos or non-transferable embryos. This data gives couples concrete evidence about PGD's role in the IVF process and also gives them insight into how to increase their chances for success by considering other options such as using donor eggs or donor embryos."

Dr. Werlin is a leader in reproductive technology, research, education, and patient services and the founder and director of Coastal Fertility Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, PCRS, and the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, an organization in which he held national office from 1991-2000. In addition to this project, Dr. Werlin is currently leading a team of nationally noted infertility specialists in a study regarding the effects of PGD.