OUTCOME OF IVF IN DES-EXPOSED DAUGHTERS - EXPERIENCE IN THE 90S

Purpose: The outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a group of inf ertile women with a history of in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) was analyzed. Records from an academic NF program were retrospe ctively reviewed. Methods: Seventeen infertile women with a self-repor ted history of exposure to DES in utero, attending the NF unit at Mass achusetts General Hospital (MGH) for assisted reproductive technology (ART), underwent 27 NF cycles. Analysis of the outcome of NF including implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates was performed. The data were compared with results from a group of 20 infertile patients with idio pathic infertility undergoing 27 NF cycles at MGH during the same peri od. The patients in the two groups were matched for age, basal day 3 l evels of follicle stimulating hormone and serum estradiol, and the num ber and quality of embryos transferred, Results: The response to contr olled ovarian hyperstimulation was comparable in the two groups, Signi ficantly lower implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates following IVF and embryo transfer were seen in the utero DES-exposed group compared to the control patients. Conclusions: Infertile patients with a histor y of in utero exposure to DES exhibit a significantly impaired implant ation rate following IVE and the outcome of ART remains poor.