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<p>The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University have estimated
that there are initially 10-20 women per year, of child-bearing age, who carry faulty
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and who might decide that mitochondrial donation is the
best reproductive option, as noted in my Written Answer of 1 April 2014.</p><p> </p><p>It
is estimated that at least 1 in 200 children in the United Kingdom are born with faulty
mtDNA, as stated in the consultation documentation released 27 February 2014. Whereas
the figure of 1 in 6,500 babies, as stated in the press release of 28 June 2013, is
an estimation of those thought to go on to develop a more serious mitochondrial disorder.
Serious cases can result in fatal liver failure, stroke-like episodes, blindness,
muscle disease, diabetes and deafness.</p><p> </p><p>Calculating the overall incidence
of mitochondrial disease is extremely difficult. The figure of 1 in 200 is based on
epidemiological data from the UK and Australia. This disease estimate in the UK is
based on observational epidemiological studies from the north east of England which
are currently being updated using the data from the 2011 census.</p><p> </p><p>The
table of disorders caused by unhealthy mtDNA attached as Annex D in the consultation
document ‘Mitochondrial Donation’ was derived from existing published tables, such
as the 2011 report by the Expert Panel convened by The Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority to review safety and efficacy of mitochondrial donation techniques. There
is currently no published information of the exact numbers of cases of each of the
conditions in Annex D.</p>
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