Monopaternal superfecundation of quintuplets after transfer of two embryos in an in vitro fertilization cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To present the first genetically proven identity of quintuplets in an IVF treatment cycle after transferring only two embryos.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
IVF unit and obstetrics department of university-affiliated general hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-five-year-old patient undergoing IVF treatment for unexplained infertility.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection performed on 50% of oocytes, resulting in successful production of nine early-cleavage embryos. Transfer of two embryos on day 3 and freezing of the remaining embryos.


METHODS
Development of five separate embryonic sacs. Fetal reduction of three embryos at 12 weeks of gestation.


RESULTS
Successful completion of the twin pregnancy and full genetic analysis of the three embryos and the twins that were born at term.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite transferring only two embryos, superfecundation occurred, resulting in five embryos. Genetic analysis can be used to determine paternity and identity of all the embryos.
Amsalem
H
H
IVF Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel. dams223@internet-zahav.net
Tsvieli
R
R
Zentner
B S
BS
Yagel
S
S
Mitrani-Rosenbaum
S
S
Hurwitz
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010334:Paternity; D010375:Pedigree; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018607:Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic
D005819:Genetic Markers; D004247:DNA