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

Abstract

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.