Transfusion-dependent homozygous β-thalassaemia major: successful twin pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization and tubal embryo transfer

Homozygous β-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 in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human Reproduction 1994, Vol.9 (10), p.1964-1965
Main Authors: Seracchioli, Renato, Porcu, Eleonora, Colombi, Claudia, Ciotti, Patrizia, Fabbri, Raffaella, De Sanctis, Vincenzo, Flamigni, Carlo
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
tubal embryo transfer
twin pregnancy
β-thalassaemia
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Summary:Homozygous β-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 β-thalassaemic woman with an oligoastheno-zoospermic 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.
ISSN:0268-1161
1460-2350
DOI:10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a138368