Transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemia major: successful twin pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization and tubal embryo transfer.
Homozygous beta-thalassaemia (thalassaemia major) is a severe, transfusion-dependent anaemia that also causes infertility due to endocrine impairment. Very few pregnancies are reported among such patients and there is only one report in the literature referring to a pregnancy achieved with ovulation induction and intra-uterine insemination. We report here the first successful twin pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization and tubal embryo transfer in a transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemic woman with an oligoasthenozoospermic partner. Prior to ovarian stimulation, desferrioxamine was discontinued due to potential fetotoxicity. Pre-gestational transfusional and chelating therapies were resumed after delivery. In such patients, ovulation induction and assisted reproductive techniques appear crucial in achieving pregnancy with concurrent haematological balance without desferrioxamine administration.
Reproductive Physiopathology Department, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
R
R
Seracchioli
E
E
Porcu
C
C
Colombi
P
P
Ciotti
R
R
Fabbri
V
V
De Sanctis
C
C
Flamigni
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D014427:Twins; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy