Never too late? Quadruplets at the age of 65 years

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2021 Oct;304(4):851-854. doi: 10.1007/s00404-021-06127-2. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

Abstract

Background: We discuss the challenges of multiple pregnancy at very advanced reproductive age.

Case presentation: We present the case of a quadruplet pregnancy at the maternal age of 65 following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs and sperm, involving cross-border reproductive care. All children born were at 25 weeks' gestation and survived; however, poor neurodevelopmental outcome remains a major concern in one child.

Conclusions: The use of reproductive technology to achieve a multiple pregnancy at such an advanced post-menopausal age generated a debate on ethical, psychosocial and medical questions. We share this debate and highlight the need to reconsider international guidelines for women of advanced reproductive age.

Keywords: Advanced reproductive age; Case report; Cross-border reproductive care; In vitro fertilization; Quadruplets.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cesarean Section
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
  • Male
  • Maternal Age
  • Medical Tourism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Quadruplets*