Fertility in Patients with Thalassemia and Outcome of Pregnancies: A Turkish Experience

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, the rates of marriage and pregnancy are increasing in patients with thalassemia major. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fertility rate of thalassemic patients and the course of pregnancies in terms of mother and infant health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational study patients with major hemoglobinopathy were evaluated regarding marital status, the need for assisted reproductive techniques, fertility rate, iron status, and pregnancy complications. RESULTS: Seventeen female patients gave birth to 21 healthy infants. About one-third of the patients needed assisted reproductive techniques. Thalassemia major patients showed increased serum ferritin levels from 1203±1206 μg/L at baseline to 1880±1174 μg/L at the end of pregnancy. All babies are still alive and healthy. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy in patients with thalassemia can be safe for the mother and newborn with close monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach.