First reported case of sextuplets conceived via letrozole for ovulation induction
Gunwant Warraich1, Tannys D R Vause1
1Ottawa Fertility Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Fertility and Sterility
|December 16, 2014
Summary
This case report details the first instance of sextuplets conceived using letrozole for ovulation induction. Careful patient counseling and follicle monitoring are crucial due to the risk of high-order multiple gestations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility.
- Ovulation induction agents are frequently used to treat infertility in women with PCOS.
- Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor increasingly used for ovulation induction.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female with secondary infertility and PCOS was treated with letrozole (7.5 mg) on days 3-7 of her cycle.
- The patient achieved a clinical pregnancy.
- The pregnancy resulted in sextuplets (sexchorionic-sexamniotic).
Findings:
- Letrozole-induced ovulation can result in high-order multiple gestations.
- This is the first reported case of sextuplets conceived with letrozole.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for high-order multiples with letrozole therapy.
- Appropriate patient counseling regarding the risks of multiple pregnancies is essential.
- Close follicle monitoring during letrozole treatment may be warranted to mitigate risks.
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