Ku Lowell T, Elster Nanette, Nakajima Steven T
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Fertil Steril. 2008 Sep;90(3):849.e15-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.1374. Epub 2007 Nov 26.
To discuss an additional option for frozen embryos that can be a life-saving alternative.
Case report and literature review.
Academic fertility center.
PATIENT(S): A woman with a previous hysterectomy and frozen embryos who had a daughter afflicted with aplastic anemia.
INTERVENTION(S): Four thawed multicell embryos were transfered to the patient's 37-year-old multiparous sister.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Alternative disposition of frozen embryos.
RESULT(S): The HLA type of the infant was found to be an exact match for the daughter dying from aplastic anemia.
CONCLUSION(S): The use of frozen embryos to prolong an existing individual's life is an additional ethical option to be considered by couples and individuals with cryopreserved embryos.
