Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Successful Pregnancy Following Heterologous in Vitro Fertilization in a Kidney Transplant Recipient With Autosomal
Luca Apicella1, Sarah Hamzeh2, Renata Angela Di Pietro1
1Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy.
Background:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often associated with infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Kidney transplantation improves fertility and maternal-fetal health, while assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer additional opportunities. However, there are no documented cases of heterologous IVF in kidney transplant recipients in the literature.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 47-year-old female with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who underwent a kidney transplant in 2018. In 2022, she underwent heterologous IVF to prevent the transmission of ADPKD. Pregnancy was achieved after the third embryo transfer, with stable graft function and no major complications. A cesarean section at 37 weeks resulted in the birth of a healthy female newborn. One year postpartum, renal function remained stable.
Discussion And Conclusion:
Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is high-risk, requiring careful immunosuppressive management and multidisciplinary monitoring. This case highlights the feasibility of heterologous IVF in transplant recipients, expanding reproductive options for patients with hereditary kidney diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...

