Advanced maternal age and perinatal outcome: oocyte recipiency versus natural conception.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal outcome in older oocyte recipients with that in women of advanced maternal age who conceived without assisted reproductive technologies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 46 oocyte recipients and 49 women who conceived without assisted reproductive technologies. The obstetric courses in singleton and multiple gestations in the two groups of women were compared. RESULTS: Among singleton pregnancies, a comparable obstetric course was noted between the groups. Fifty percent of the oocyte recipients experienced multiple gestations, resulting in an increased risk for placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor and delivery, glucose intolerance of pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and cesarean delivery. However, only the risks for pregnancy-induced hypertension and cesarean delivery were significantly increased in the pregnancies of oocyte recipients with multiple gestations. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal complications in women receiving oocyte donation may be related to their higher incidence of multiple gestation.

Duke Scholars

Author Jeffrey Adam Kuller Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Author David Keith Walmer Duke Global Health Institute