In vitro fertilization and oocyte donation in women 45 years of age and older.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reproductive potential in women > or = 45 years of age.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer unit, standard IVF and oocyte donation programs.

PATIENTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients > or = 45 years old who applied for treatment of infertility.

INTERVENTION

Thirty-one patients underwent 52 treatment cycles in standard IVF. Ninety-six patients underwent 220 oocyte donation cycles.

RESULTS

Of the 52 standard IVF cycles, oocytes were retrieved successfully in only 32. Of these, fertilization and ET were performed in 21 cycles. None of these treatment cycles resulted in a clinical pregnancy. Of the 220 oocyte donation cycles, fertilization and ET were accomplished in 189 cycles. These resulted in 33 (17.5% per transfer) clinical pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that oocyte donation may extend the reproductive potential in women > or = 45 years old when little hope is offered by standard IVF.