Cystic Fibrosis & Safe Fertility Treatment
July 4, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
New research shows that women with cystic fibrosis (CF) can safely participate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). CF can cause infertility and possibly the need for a lung transplant.
Study participants: 15 women whose partners lacked the CF gene mutation, normal fertility except for failing to conceive, aged between 24 and 36.
Outcome: 17 pregnancies in 13 of the 15 women, resulting in 12 live births, two ongoing pregnancies and three miscarriages. Only one of the women needed a caesarean section, but 50% of the study participants had diabetes during pregnancy. Researchers also observed a slight decline in lung function during the year of pregnancy. All children, aged 10 years to one month, remain healthy.
The new study on ART and CF was presented recently at the 25th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Amsterdam.
Dr. Sylvie Epelboin, who led the research, said:
“The results of our study are good news for women with cystic fibrosis because they show that ART is a hopeful option for them and does not increase the risk of medical problems or death for either themselves or their children. Furthermore, the possibility of ART for this growing population of young adults with cystic fibrosis has a positive impact on their quality of life by satisfying their wish to become parents. These women had given mature consideration to their desire for a child and were fully supported by their families.”
(Image via stock.xchng)
