Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue as fertility preservation in young women with multiple sclerosis before stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Background: Women of fertile age who receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) due to multiple sclerosis (MS) are at risk of loss of ovarian function and infertility because of the conditioning regimen with alkylating agents.

Objective: To present our data on fertility preservation by ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) in young women with MS before AHSCT.

Methods: Retrospective, observational cohort study RESULTS: Eight women had OTC. After AHSCT four had premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and two of these had autotransplantation of their cryopreserved ovarian tissue. Both women regained ovarian function, and a spontaneous pregnancy was achieved resulting in the delivery of a healthy baby.

Conclusion: OTC preserves fertility in young women with MS at risk of POI.

Keywords: Cryopreservation; Fertility preservation; Multiple sclerosis; Ovary; Stem cell transplantation.