Genetic disorders often leave lasting trauma, not only for the affected child but for their entire family. Statistics show that about half of all children born with genetic conditions in Vietnam do not live past the age of five, leaving behind deep scars for grieving parents.

On December 5, at a scientific seminar titled "IVF and advanced technologies – hope for the parenting journey," hosted by Dong Do Hospital (Hanoi), Dr. Tang Duc Cuong presented breakthroughs in in-vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly techniques to screen and prevent single-gene disorders. These advances are being seen as vital lifelines for families at risk of passing on inherited diseases to their children.

Each year in Vietnam, approximately 41,000 babies are born with congenital defects. Alarmingly, around 80% of those with genetic conditions are born to parents who are completely healthy and unaware they carry disease genes.

Roughly 14 million Vietnamese people - about 13% of the population - carry the gene for thalassemia. Every year, 8,000 babies are born with the disorder, of whom about 2,000 have the severe form that requires lifelong treatment.

Genetic disorders severely impact a child’s development and quality of life, often leading to early death.

Other common genetic diseases include cerebral palsy, which affects 2 out of every 1,000 newborns; hemophilia (1 in 5,000); Duchenne muscular dystrophy (1 in 5,000); and phenylketonuria (1 in 10,000). Most people who carry these genes show no symptoms, making detection even more difficult.

In his clinical experience, Dr. Cuong said he has seen many couples hesitate to have children due to fear of repeating a family tragedy. Some have suffered 8 or 9 consecutive miscarriages. Others have had multiple children diagnosed with rare diseases. Some babies are born seemingly healthy but die suddenly just days after birth. These devastating experiences leave deep emotional wounds and cast long shadows over any future plans to expand the family.

Genetic screening can help parents break the cycle

Take, for example, a couple from Nghe An - Mr. and Mrs. K.T.H. Their first two children were born with cerebral palsy. Genetic testing revealed that both parents carried the faulty gene. After receiving counseling, they opted for IVF combined with genetic screening of embryos based on family-specific gene mapping. The result: a healthy baby boy - something they had once believed impossible.

Genetic testing plays a crucial role in helping couples identify hereditary risks and choose the safest reproductive path.

To date, scientists have identified about 6,000 single-gene disorders, including thalassemia, hemophilia, brittle bone disease, tuberous sclerosis, metabolic disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, achondroplasia, phenylketonuria, neurofibromatosis, and primary immunodeficiency disorders.

All of these can be screened through gene sequencing.

For couples who carry the same disease gene, IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can help select embryos that do not carry the harmful mutation. After genetic verification, only healthy embryos are transferred into the mother’s womb.

This approach has enabled many families to escape the fear of inherited illnesses and realize their dream of raising healthy children.

Phuong Thuy