Lower limb ischemia in a thrombophilic woman during ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction techniques

Abstract

Introduction Women receiving hormone therapy as part of assisted reproduction protocols are at increased risk for thrombosis. Controlled ovarian stimulation may be a risk factor for thrombotic events, and thrombophilic subjects are more prone to develop thrombosis during hormone therapies. Materials and methods We report a case of arterial thrombosis of the iliacofemuropopliteal axis, which occurred in a young woman with Factor V Leiden-related thrombophilia, who was receiving recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and leuprorelin in preparation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin. Results The thrombosis resulted in critical limb ischemia whose clinical evolution is described. Discussion Further research is needed to identify the best strategy for reducing the thrombotic risk associated with assisted reproduction protocols and to determine whether these women should receive pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.

Keywords

• Hormone therapy
• Assisted reproduction protocol
• Controlled ovarian stimulation
• Thrombophilic subject
• Factor V Leiden-related thrombophilia