Infertility of Uterine Origin

To determine the effectiveness of an intrauterine PRP infusion on endometrial thickness and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in a population of infertile women with a history of unresponsive thin endometrium.

Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility (AUFI) is due to congenital or surgical absence of a uterus or the presence of a nonfunctional uterus. Until 2014, the only option for women affected by Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility (AUFI) was adoption or surrogate motherhood. Uterine transplant is a new form of transplant to treat AUFI. The technique of uterus transplant was developed in Sweden with the transplantation of the uterus from a living donor to a woman affected by AUFI. Approximately 80 uterine transplantations have been performed, more than 50 of which have occurred within the past 3 years. To date, 34 children have been born from mothers who have received a living donor uterine transplant. This is a prospective study to treat Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility (AUFI) through uterine transplantation utilizing a uterus from a living or deceased donor resulting in live birth. A total of 10 biologically female (XX Karyotype) subjects will receive a uterine transplant.

Our study will explore the feasibility of initiating a deceased donor uterine transplant program in addition to the existing living donor IRB at BWH. Using the template established by teams around the world, we will identify emotionally and socially stable females of reproductive age with intact ovaries who are unable to gestate a child due to congenital or acquired uterine factor infertility. After careful screening, participants will undergo egg harvest, in vitro fertilization, and embryo cryopreservation using standard methods. Women who successfully complete the fertilization of at least six euploid embryos will be eligible to be placed on the waitlist for a deceased donor uterus transplant. After a successful transplant and a period of observation to ensure normal menstrual cycle and graft viability (anticipate six months), embryo implantation will be undertaken. Following an embryo transfer, gestation will be carefully monitored by our high-risk pregnancy specialists. Medical research interventions include the surgical implantation of a uterus utilizing techniques by teams that have applied this approach successfully, close post-transplant follow up including immunosuppression therapy tailored to established standards during pregnancy minimizing fetal risks, and careful management of pregnancy. After childbearing is complete (at most two gestations), the donor uterus will be removed either during Cesarean or during an elective procedure. In addition, open ended interviews and surveys will be conducted to elicit ethical and psychosocial concerns arising from the experience of subjects and their families, health care providers, and the wider community. The investigator's intent is to monitor outcomes for transplant recipients as well as the live born infants for 30 days after removal of the transplanted uterus. It is estimated that the time from screening to a potential live birth will be a minimum of 22 months, but likely between 24 - 36 months depending on organ availability.