In a remarkable medical success story, Georgina Burrough, who suffers from an extremely rare skin condition known as Ichthyosis with confetti, has welcomed two healthy children into her life. This achievement was made possible through the use of advanced pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The PGT service, based in Exeter and partnered with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, has enabled couples like Georgina and her partner to have children without passing on serious inherited conditions. With fewer than 50 cases reported globally, Georgina’s condition is characterized by severely dry, red, scaly, and inflamed skin, which can lead to infections and increased risk of skin cancer. Despite these challenges, Georgina now cherishes her daughters Elsie, aged five, and Annie, seven months old, who were both born free from the condition.

Georgina’s journey to motherhood was far from easy. Her condition posed a significant risk of being passed down to any offspring, with a 50% chance of inheritance. Some babies born with this condition do not survive due to its severity. For Georgina, daily life involves extensive skincare routines that take between three to five hours each day. These routines include bathing with emollients, applying creams, and exfoliating to manage her symptoms. Moreover, her body struggles to regulate temperature, adding another layer of complexity to her health management. Given these difficulties, the prospect of having children without passing on her condition seemed nearly impossible until PGT entered the picture.

The PGT process involves carefully analyzing cells taken from developing embryos to identify those unaffected by the specific genetic condition. Only embryos deemed healthy are then transferred into the womb. Dr. Emma Kivuva, a consultant clinical geneticist and genetics lead for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, explained that the team designs unique tests tailored to each family’s genetic makeup. This personalized approach ensures the highest accuracy in selecting healthy embryos. Georgina’s case exemplifies how this cutting-edge technology can transform lives, offering hope to families facing similar genetic challenges.

The Exeter-based PGT service has become a beacon of hope for many families in the South West region. As the only NHS PGT provider in the area, it has successfully facilitated the birth of 50 healthy babies, including Georgina’s daughters. Dr. Emma Kivuva expressed pride in reaching this milestone, highlighting the importance of making such services accessible to people living in the region. The clinic also caters to a wide range of rare genetic conditions, including Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and certain inherited cancers. By providing this vital service, the team aims to support families in making informed decisions about their reproductive futures, ensuring they can welcome healthy children into their lives without the burden of inherited conditions.

Through her story, Georgina hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges. She believes that sharing her experience will encourage more individuals to explore the possibilities offered by PGT. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of medical innovation and the unwavering determination of parents who dream of giving their children a healthier start in life. The success of the PGT service in Exeter underscores the potential for future advancements in genetic medicine, promising hope and brighter prospects for countless families worldwide.