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Paternal Exposure / Screening and PGD / Early Detection

Thu, August 18, 2016 7:32 AM

I have Crohne's since 2003. I have not undergone operation. I've stopped taking Azathioprine 100 mg for two days now but we don't know how long I can stay without medication. I would like to try for the first time to have a baby. My partner and I will try after 90 days (the length of time that is takes for a new turnover of sperm). I took a sperm fertility test and it is good/passing.

I read that there is some evidence that treatment with Azathioprine before conception may produce teratogenic risks to the foetus. Some data indicate that paternal use of azathioprine or mercaptopurine before conception is associated with an increased risk of congenital abnormalities.

What I would like to inquire is if these possible abnormalities can be detected in the screening or tests conducted in normal pregnancy like the First Trimester screening (between 11 and 14 weeks) and Quad Marker Screen (from 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy)?

And if we have to resort to IVF, I understand they conduct PGS or Preimplantation Genetic Screening on day 3 to check for possible abnormalities. Is PGS a substitute for the first trimester and quad marker screenings done in regular pregnancy?

Will possible abnormalities from taking AZA be detected in that PGS? I know there is always a risk, but what I would like to know is if this possible abnormality is detected early on in normal pregnancy or prior to implantation in the case of IVF?

And does stopping medication or AZA 90 days prior to conception, remove all possible effects of the drugs on the sperm?

I'd appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Chris

chriswmorgan
Joined Aug 18, 2016

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