In vitro fertilization after renal transplantation; A Single-Center Experience

Abstract Introduction Although kidney transplantation often increase the chances of fertility, the rate of infertile patients is still high. In vitro fertilization promises successful results for infertile renal transplantation patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the experience of a single center. Methods Patients were invited to complete a survey for their obstetric history. Documentation review included demographic and clinical characteristics of patients like procedure records, follow-up complications, immunosuppression maintenance protocols and pregnancy outcome. Results Thirteen patients were reached to complete the survey. The mean age of patients was 33±4 at IVF. The median duration of infertility was 2 years. Twenty-four IVF sessions were applied to these 13 women with renal transplantation. The procedure failed in 13 of these sessions; and 8 women achieved 11 clinical pregnancies. There were 3 miscarriages and 2 stillbirths. Six women had live birth, with no neonatal deaths. One patient had a graft rejection after the IVF procedure. Serum creatinine level increased more than 30% in 3 patients after the IVF procedure, while 9 patients had a minimal or no change. Discussion In our study, we evaluated the records of 13 patients with renal transplantation, who had IVF procedures. Fortunately, more than half of these patients had live births with no neonatal deaths. In our opinion, our findings show that, IVF procedures can be accepted as a promising method in patients with RT and need a therapy for fertility. Moreover, 25% as the livebirth rate per a procedure, is also a satisfactory result.