Frozen embryos: a life-saving option.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss an additional option for frozen embryos that can be a life-saving alternative.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
Academic fertility center.


METHODS
A woman with a previous hysterectomy and frozen embryos who had a daughter afflicted with aplastic anemia.


METHODS
Four thawed multicell embryos were transfered to the patient's 37-year-old multiparous sister.


METHODS
Alternative disposition of frozen embryos.


RESULTS
The HLA type of the infant was found to be an exact match for the daughter dying from aplastic anemia.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of frozen embryos to prolong an existing individual's life is an additional ethical option to be considered by couples and individuals with cryopreserved embryos.
Ku
Lowell T
LT
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Elster
Nanette
N
Nakajima
Steven T
ST
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000628:therapy*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*