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Acute pain crisis in a patient with sickle cell disease undergoing ovarian simulation for fertility preservation prior to curative stem cell transplantation: case report and literature review

  • Fertility Preservation
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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a cure for sickle cell disease (SCD) but frequently results in permanent sterility. The complications associated with oocyte cryopreservation and risks of future pregnancy are increased in SCD patients. This case report discusses risk reduction strategies and includes a literature review of pregnancy after HSCT.

Case

A 23-year-old woman underwent ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation resulting in cancelation due to acute pain crisis. She underwent a successful oocyte retrieval after exchange transfusion to decrease her hemoglobin S to 30%. This is the second report of a pain crisis in a woman with SCD undergoing oocyte banking.

Conclusion(s)

Women with SCD undergoing fertility preservation may be at increased risk of complications from ovarian stimulation. Risks in pregnancy after HSCT should also be considered before proceeding with fertility preservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC, USA

    Michelle Matthews

  2. The Women’s Institute, 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. Suite 500, Charlotte, NC, 28204, USA

    Michelle Matthews

  3. Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA

    Rebecca Pollack

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  1. Michelle Matthews
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  2. Rebecca Pollack
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Correspondence to Michelle Matthews.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Matthews, M., Pollack, R. Acute pain crisis in a patient with sickle cell disease undergoing ovarian simulation for fertility preservation prior to curative stem cell transplantation: case report and literature review. J Assist Reprod Genet 34, 1445–1448 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1008-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1008-1

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