Live birth after vitrification of in vitro matured human oocytes

Abstract

Objective: To report the first healthy live birth from immature oocytes retrieved in a natural menstrual cycle, followed by in vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of the oocytes by vitrification.

Design: Case report.

Setting: University-based tertiary medical center.

Patient(s): A 27-year-old woman with tubal disease and polycystic ovaries.

Intervention(s): Immature oocytes were retrieved by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicle aspiration on day 13 of her natural menstrual cycle, matured in vitro and vitrified. The oocytes were thawed in a subsequent menstrual cycle, inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the resulting embryos transferred.

Main outcome measure(s): Oocyte maturation and survival rates, pregnancy, and live birth.

Result(s): One metaphase II and 18 germinal vesicle stage oocytes were collected; 16 out of 18 germinal vesicle oocytes matured, and a total of 17 oocytes were vitrified. After thawing, four IVM oocytes survived; three embryos were transferred. The woman went on to deliver a single healthy live baby at term.

Conclusion(s): We provide proof-of-principle evidence that the novel fertility preservation strategy of immature oocyte retrieval, IVM, and vitrification of oocytes can lead to successful pregnancy and healthy live birth.