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Fertility Issues in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients: Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Management

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Pediatric and Adolescent Oncofertility

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Abstract

Better understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infertility problems in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients has taken priority in the recent years. Excess transfusional iron, if not effectively removed, imposes deleterious effects on the anterior pituitary and likely on the gonadal tissue as well, resulting in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, amenorrhea, abnormal spermatogenesis, and a declining reproductive potential. Though spontaneous pregnancy can occur in some women with a low iron burden, many, in particular those 30–35 years and older, require ovulation induction and ART. Prepregnancy multidisciplinary counseling and close monitoring during gestation are required to avoid complications to both mother and fetus. In men, who often have a low sperm count and function, induction of spermatogenesis and micromanipulation along with IVF can be applied. Implementation of current methods for predicting reproductive status and for fertility preservation is needed for this patient population; these along with optimal iron chelation therapy could allow earlier intervention for fertility salvation.

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  1. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, 747 Fifty Second Street, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA

    Sylvia T. Singer MD

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  1. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Teresa K. Woodruff

  2. Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Yasmin C. Gosiengfiao

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Singer, S.T. (2017). Fertility Issues in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients: Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Management. In: Woodruff, T., Gosiengfiao, Y. (eds) Pediatric and Adolescent Oncofertility. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32973-4_14

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