Pregnancy After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Severe Aplastic Anemia: Report of 2 Cases

Transplant Proc. 2024 May;56(4):910-911. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.04.001. Epub 2024 May 9.

Abstract

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) treat malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare condition associated with ineffective hematopoiesis. The first-line treatment for AA is an allogenic hemopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). After allo-HSCT, most patients become infertile.

Methods: This study presents 2 case reports of women who become pregnant after allo-HSCT in the treatment of severe AA. In both women, conditioning was performed using the fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and antithyroglobulin antibodies protocol.

Results: Case 1, a 27-year-old woman, underwent allo-HSCT at the age of 19. She received cyclosporine immunosuppression. The transplant was without complications. The woman's menstrual resumption was observed after 2 months. Eight years post-transplantation, the woman had her first pregnancy. Fetal growth restriction was diagnosed, and she was qualified for labor induction after the 37th week of gestation. She gave birth to a baby boy in good general condition. Case 2 is a 28-year-old woman with allo-HSCT at aged 25. The procedure was performed during a period of active fungal infection. Immunosuppression with cyclosporine and methotrexate was administered. During the transplant procedure, she developed acute kidney injury and liver failure. Her menstrual cycle returned 1 month after the transplant. Three years after the transplant, the woman was pregnant with twins. After 37 weeks of gestation, the woman was qualified for Cesarean delivery. Both babies, a boy and a girl, were in good general condition.

Conclusion: Preservation of fertility after allo-HSCT is feasible, particularly in those with AA treated with conditioning regimens without total body irradiation with lower doses of alkylating agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Aplastic* / therapy
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Transplantation Conditioning

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents