IS IT POSSIBLE THAT COUPLES WITH NORMAL CHROMOSOMAL ANALYSIS COULD HAVE EMBRYOS WITH GENETIC DISORDERS?

Yes. Chromosomal structure can be normal in the genetic analyses carried out on blood cells of the couple. However, embryo gets half of its genetic structure form the oocyte of the mother, and the other half form the sperm cell of the father. Therefore, although the genetic structure of the autosomal cells are normal for a couple, it may be the case that there are chromosomal abnormalities only in reproductive cells (oocyte or the sperm), and also these abnormalities can be transferred to the embryo. It is possible to define such genetic disorders in embryos by pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES ON APPEARANCE OF GENETIC DISORDERS?

Consanguineous marriages are the marriages between persons that are relatives. The closest consanguineous marriages are between fist cousins. The ratio of consanguineous marriages is 21-40% for our country, and it differs according to the geographical regions. Anomalies arising from various factors are encountered in every 2-3 children born out of 100 in the general population. This risk may increase as high as 4-5% in consanguineous marriages.