Even as fertility procedures such as in-vitro fertilization and donor insemination become more commonplace day-by-day, a new study has researchers warning people that even after thorough screenings of sperm donors, genetic disorders can be transmitted to the child conceived through such procedures.
The study, by Laurence Boxer, MD, and colleagues from the University of Michigan and the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry, was based on the findings of an investigation of the cases of five children conceived by in-vitro fertilization or donor insemination who had severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) – a genetic disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of certain white blood cells in the body that fight bacterial infections by destroying invading bacteria.
People with SCN are more susceptible to recurring infections and are at greater risk for developing leukemia.
The researchers found that the same sperm donor was used for all five pregnancies. After conducting advanced genetic testing, the authors established that the donor was the carrier of the gene, not the mothers.
Dr. Boxer said that the study showed that women and sperm banks needed to be aware that there is an inherent risk of there being a genetic disorder transmitted by the donor?s sperm.
“The mothers need to be prepared that there is always an inherent risk of a genetic disorder being transmitted by the donor’s sperm,” he said.
The sperm bank was informed of this evidence, and all remaining samples were discarded.
The study appears in the May issue of The Journal of Pediatrics.