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A review of the 2021/2022 PGDIS Position Statement on the transfer of mosaic embryos

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Abstract

The practice of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) since 2016 has been mostly directed by three highly controversial guidance documents issued by the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS). Because these documents are so influential on worldwide IVF practice, the most recent one is here the subject of a detailed review, again revealing important misrepresentations and internal contradictions. Most importantly, however, this most recent guidance document still does not prevent the non-use and/or disposal of large numbers of embryos with substantial pregnancy and live-birth potential and, therefore, continues to propagate an IVF practice harmful to many infertile women.

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Acknowledgements

Since this manuscript was completed, Austrian investigators published in this journal, a commentary on the 2021/2022 PGDIS position statement that must be acknowledged since it reached similar conclusions to the here presented somewhat more detailed review of this PGDIS document [39].

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Contributions

This article evolved from discussions between the authors following the electronic publication of the 2021/2022 PGDIS Positions Statement in late 2021 since followed by its publication in print in late 2022 [3]. Consequently, all authors contributed to the concept of this manuscript and its format. N.G. wrote the first draft, with all other authors contributing to several revisions. All authors have approved the final version of the submitted manuscript.

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Correspondence to Norbert Gleicher.

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Competing interests

N.G. and D.H.B. are listed as co-owners of several already awarded and still pending U.S. patents, some claiming benefits from androgen supplementation in women with low functional ovarian reserve. Others relate to the diagnostic and potential therapeutic benefits of AMH. N.G. is a shareholder in Fertility Nutraceuticals and is the owner of the CHR, a fertility center in New York City. N.G. and D.H.B. also receive patent royalties from Fertility Nutraceuticals, LLC. N.G. and P.P. also received research support, travel funding, and lecture fees from various Pharma and medical device companies, none, however, over the last three years and none in any way related to this manuscript. Other authors have no conflicts to report.

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Gleicher, N., Mochizuki, L., Barad, D.H. et al. A review of the 2021/2022 PGDIS Position Statement on the transfer of mosaic embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 40, 817–826 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02763-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02763-6

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