Never too late? Quadruplets at the age of 65 years

Abstract

Background: We discuss the challenges of multiple pregnancy at very advanced reproductive age.

Case presentation: We present the case of a quadruplet pregnancy at the maternal age of 65 following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs and sperm, involving cross-border reproductive care. All children born were at 25 weeks' gestation and survived; however, poor neurodevelopmental outcome remains a major concern in one child.

Conclusions: The use of reproductive technology to achieve a multiple pregnancy at such an advanced post-menopausal age generated a debate on ethical, psychosocial and medical questions. We share this debate and highlight the need to reconsider international guidelines for women of advanced reproductive age.