First Baby Born In UK Using Revolutionary IVF Technique

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Biagio Russu is the first baby born in the UK who was conceived using a new and more precise embryo screening technique.

His mum, Ewa Wybacz, 36, allowed doctors to use a new DNA screening procedure that hugely improved her fertility rate.

Eco Green Data reports:

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Biagio Russu was conceived thanks to genetic screening that allowed doctors to select a healthy, early-stage embryo.

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The method means that each round of IVF is far more likely to succeed – sparing couples the agony of repeated attempts at having a child.

Biagio Russu, pictured with parents Ewa Wybacz, 36. Sergio Russu, 42, was conceived thanks to genetic screening that allowed doctors to select a healthy, early-stage embryo
Birth rates are said to rise from 40 per cent to 65 per cent for a woman in her mid-30s.

For Biagio’s parents, Ewa Wybacz, 36. Sergio Russu, 42, it worked first time round.

Tim Child, the Oxford University professor who led the trial they took part in, said the chromosome testing technique was a leap forward.

‘The majority of embryos that humans make have the wrong number of chromosomes. This is much more likely with older couples,’ he explained.

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‘The wrong number of chromosomes means that the embryo either won’t implant. There will be a miscarriage. The child will be born with a genetic disorder such as Down’s syndrome.’

Under the technique, doctors study the DNA of each embryo when it’s just five days old.

Then they select the one that’s the best chance of implanting in the patient’s womb.

It has changed our lives

The counting of chromosomes makes the doctors’ decision more likely to be accurate than standard microscope methods. The test adds between £2,000 and £3,500 to the cost of IVF treatment, which is typically £5,000 a cycle.

Professor Child says the price will fall as the technique becomes more widely used.

The method means that each round of IVF is far more likely to succeed – sparing couples the agony of repeated attempts at having a child
Mr Russu, a chemical scientist in the car industry who took part in the embryo trial with his wife at Professor Child’s clinic, Oxford Fertility, said the procedure had been remarkable.

His wife, who was born in Poland and is now a housekeeper at Mansfield College, Oxford, had been told she’d never conceive after a bout of appendicitis at the age of 12 left her ovaries damaged. But, four months ago, their child was born at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

‘He’s a beautiful and healthy boy,’ said Italian-born Mr Russu.

‘It’s changed our lives,’ he added. ‘We were told we couldn’t have a child. What science has achieved is remarkable.

‘That it worked on the first attempt was very surprising. Shows what can be done.

‘I’m so grateful. I hope we’ve shown that this can work and others can also benefit.’ Professor Dagan Wells, a fertility expert at Oxford University, said the new genetic tests were showing huge potential.

‘Our aim is to bring these tests within reach of all patients undergoing IVF, not only the wealthy.

‘it’s gratifying to see that spirit of scientific innovation that led to the development of IVF in this country is still alive, well and continuing to benefit patients.’

Tim Child, the Oxford University professor who led the trial they took part in, said the chromosome testing technique was a leap forward.