Multiple-sited (heterotopic) pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer

Fertil Steril. 1990 Jun;53(6):1068-71. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)53587-0.

Abstract

Pregnancies occurring simultaneously in different body sites (heterotopic pregnancies) are a rare condition thought to occur in 1 of 30,000 spontaneous pregnancies. Individual cases may occur after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). In the past 4 1/2 years, our unit has performed 6,204 IVF/GIFT or pronuclear stage transfer cycles of treatment. Ten such pregnancies proven by surgical, ultrasound, and histological diagnosis have occurred. In the same period 640 IVF, 355 GIFT, and 6 pronuclear stage transfer clinical pregnancies were achieved. This suggests that the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy after assisted reproduction is closer to 1 of 100 pregnancies. Clinicians managing early complications of IVF, GIFT, and/or pronuclear stage transfer pregnancies should be aware of this relatively high incidence of concomitant intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / etiology
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery
  • Pregnancy, Multiple*
  • Ultrasonography