Ovarian stimulation and embryo banking for fertility preservation in a woman with severe mixed connective tissue disease: Is it safe?
OBJECTIVE
To report the first case of using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for fertility preservation in a patient with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).


METHODS
Case-report and review of the literature.


METHODS
Academic infertility practice and tertiary care center.


METHODS
A 25-year-old woman with MCTD, complicated with PH and APS, who was scheduled for gonadotoxic therapy


METHODS
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, egg retrieval, embryo banking.


METHODS
Successful ART cycle leading to embryo banking without worsening her underlying disease.


RESULTS
Following successful embryo cryopreservation, the patient experienced respiratory failure and other severe complications, resulting in a prolonged hospital stay.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for embryo banking in women with MCTD, PH and APS may pose a risk for potentially catastrophic complications. A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is necessary to optimize the outcomes of such procedures. More data are needed regarding the safety of fertility preservation technologies in patients with complex medical diseases.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. vsioulas@gmail.com
Vasileios D
VD
Sioulas
Clarisa R
CR
Gracia
D000328:Adult; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005260:Female; D059247:Fertility Preservation; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000209:etiology; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009216:Myopia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome