Monopaternal superfecundation of quintuplets after transfer of two embryos in an in vitro fertilization cycle.

OBJECTIVE

To present the first genetically proven identity of quintuplets in an IVF treatment cycle after transferring only two embryos.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

IVF unit and obstetrics department of university-affiliated general hospital.

PATIENT(S): Twenty-five-year-old patient undergoing IVF treatment for unexplained infertility.

INTERVENTION(S): In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection performed on 50% of oocytes, resulting in successful production of nine early-cleavage embryos. Transfer of two embryos on day 3 and freezing of the remaining embryos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Development of five separate embryonic sacs. Fetal reduction of three embryos at 12 weeks of gestation.

RESULT(S): Successful completion of the twin pregnancy and full genetic analysis of the three embryos and the twins that were born at term.

CONCLUSION(S): Despite transferring only two embryos, superfecundation occurred, resulting in five embryos. Genetic analysis can be used to determine paternity and identity of all the embryos.