Jindal IVF Performs Breakthrough PGT-HLA Procedure Resulting in Healthy Newborn and Hope for Thalassemia Major Patient
The primary objective of a (PGT-HLA) matching program is to facilitate the birth of a healthy child who is compatible with HLA, with the intention of providing treatment or a potential cure for a sick
The primary objective of a (PGT-HLA) matching program is to facilitate the birth of a healthy child who is compatible with HLA, with the intention of providing treatment or a potential cure for a sick sibling
Jindal IVF, a leading institute in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), marks a groundbreaking achievement in reproductive medicine. With the successful completion of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Human Leukocyte Antigen (PGT-HLA) case, Jindal IVF has demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and providing hope to families facing genetic challenges.
The journey of this extraordinary case began in January 2019 when a couple, whose first child was diagnosed with thalassemia major, approached Jindal IVF seeking assistance. Dr. Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant and IVF-PGT expert at Jindal IVF alongside Geneticist Dr. Sangeeta Khattar, led the medical team in devising a tailored treatment plan to address the couple’s unique needs. The couple’s desire to conceive again while ensuring a healthy sibling who could serve as a bone marrow donor presented a complex challenge. Dr. Jindal and her team meticulously outlined the treatment protocol, which involved multiple IVF cycles and rigorous genetic screening procedures.
“The stakes were high,” recalls Dr. Sheetal Jindal. “We knew that achieving a successful outcome would not only fulfill the family’s dreams but also offer a beacon of hope to countless others facing similar genetic dilemmas. However, the challenges were manifold. From the physical toll of multiple IVF stimulations to the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for test results, every step of the journey tested the resilience of the couple and our medical team.”
Over the course of several months, the couple underwent three IVF cycles, each requiring intensive hormonal stimulation. Each cycle entailed daily injections for a minimum of 10-12 days, followed by egg retrieval under anaesthesia. This process had to be repeated thrice to amass a sufficient pool of 16-18 embryos, ensuring the possibility of identifying at least one HLA-matched embryo free from thalassemia. In addition, the quest for viable blastocysts suitable for biopsy added another layer of complexity, which was handled very well by IVF Jindal’s embryology team comprising Dr Sanjeev and Simmi Maheshwari. Even after extensive efforts, there remained the uncertainty of whether the embryo would present a complete or partial match. The transfer of the embryo into the mother’s uterus and the subsequent establishment of a successful pregnancy demanded meticulous care from the medical team. Despite diligent efforts, the inherent uncertainties meant that success rates hovered around 60-70%.
Notably, the entire process was compounded by the fact that only one viable embryo was obtained, adding immense pressure on both the medical professionals and the hopeful couple. At the same time, the pregnancy itself required meticulous attention to prevent the development of complications. Despite the hurdles, perseverance and unwavering dedication prevailed. After the third IVF, the couple received the news they had been waiting for: a healthy embryo, free from thalassemia and with HLA matching. The successful implantation of this embryo resulted in the birth of a healthy baby on 4th April 2024, heralding a new chapter of hope and joy for the family.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement,” says Dr. Sheetal Jindal. “It reinforces the transformative power of reproductive medicine in shaping lives and overcoming genetic challenges. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team involved in this case at Jindal IVF for their unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence, which has brought this dream to life.
“We are wholeheartedly grateful to the entire team at Jindal IVF for their unwavering support and dedication,” shares the patient, whose identity is withheld to respect privacy concerns. “Thanks to their expertise and compassion, we now have a healthy baby and renewed hope for the future.”
Jindal IVF is closely monitoring the health of the newborn and to ensure fully matched reports, plans to conduct HLA Matching tests after 6 months to 1 year. As for the elder brother affected by the same genetic disorder, the bone marrow transplant is scheduled to take place after 2 years, following complete matching. The couple is in communication with the bone marrow transplant unit to determine the location for the procedure, whether in Delhi, Vellore, or abroad.
