Oocyte cryopreservation with in vitro maturation for fertility preservation in girls at risk for ovarian insufficiency

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and outcomes of oocyte cryopreservation with in vitro maturation (IVM) in post-pubertal girls undergoing fertility preservation (FP) for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) risk.

Methods: Ovarian stimulation was performed with an antagonist protocol or progesterone priming. Ultrasound monitoring was performed transabdominally. Oocytes were retrieved transvaginally under IV sedation. Immature oocytes were subjected to IVM for up to 36 h. All MII oocytes were vitrified. The main outcome measure was the total number of mature oocytes cryopreserved. The secondary outcome was the increase in the mature oocyte yield after IVM.

Results: Indications for FP included mosaic Turner syndrome (mTS; n = 10), malignancy (n = 3), and POI risk (n = 2). The mean ± SD age, antral follicle count (AFC), and AMH levels were 14.2 ± 1.4 years, 8 ± 5.2 and 1.3 ± 1.3 ng/mL. In girls with mTS, the ovarian reserve was low for age (AFC 7.4 ± 4.7 and AMH 1.4 ± 1.6 ng/mL). Oocyte cryopreservation was possible in all girls with a range of 1-27 mature oocytes obtained, even in those who were previously exposed to chemotherapy or with low ovarian reserve, and no surgical complications were encountered. After IVM, the median mature oocyte yield increased significantly from 7.5 to 10.5 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Oocyte cryopreservation appears to be feasible and safe in girls as young as 12 years of age at risk for POI The utility of IVM increases the yield of cryopreserved mature oocytes. Prior exposure to chemotherapy or low ovarian reserve should not be an automatic reason to exclude these girls from FP consideration.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; In vitro maturation; Oocyte cryopreservation; Ovarian insufficiency; Post-pubertal children; Turner syndrome.