Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often associated with infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Kidney transplantation improves fertility and maternal-fetal health, while assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer additional opportunities. However, there are no documented cases of heterologous IVF in kidney transplant recipients in the literature. Case Presentation We report the case of a 47-year-old female with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who underwent a kidney transplant in 2018. In 2022, she underwent heterologous IVF to prevent the transmission of ADPKD. Pregnancy was achieved after the third embryo transfer, with stable graft function and no major complications. A cesarean section at 37 weeks resulted in the birth of a healthy female newborn. One year postpartum, renal function remained stable. Discussion and Conclusion Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is high-risk, requiring careful immunosuppressive management and multidisciplinary monitoring. This case highlights the feasibility of heterologous IVF in transplant recipients, expanding reproductive options for patients with hereditary kidney diseases.
Successful Pregnancy Following Heterologous in Vitro Fertilization in a Kidney Transplant Recipient With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Case Report
Nicoletta Vecchione;Carmine Secondulfo;Giancarlo Bilancio
2025
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often associated with infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Kidney transplantation improves fertility and maternal-fetal health, while assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer additional opportunities. However, there are no documented cases of heterologous IVF in kidney transplant recipients in the literature. Case Presentation We report the case of a 47-year-old female with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who underwent a kidney transplant in 2018. In 2022, she underwent heterologous IVF to prevent the transmission of ADPKD. Pregnancy was achieved after the third embryo transfer, with stable graft function and no major complications. A cesarean section at 37 weeks resulted in the birth of a healthy female newborn. One year postpartum, renal function remained stable. Discussion and Conclusion Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is high-risk, requiring careful immunosuppressive management and multidisciplinary monitoring. This case highlights the feasibility of heterologous IVF in transplant recipients, expanding reproductive options for patients with hereditary kidney diseases.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
