ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the role of third-party reproduction as a treatment option for recurrent pregnancy loss. Aneuploidy is the most common embryonic cause of recurrent miscarriage, with the overall incidence being quoted as 40% when using the older banding karyotype techniques, but higher incidences have been reported using molecular techniques. Inappropriate immune modulation, possibly involving Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy, has been associated with sporadic spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. Although patients with Turner syndrome may achieve high pregnancy rates, comparable to those observed in patients with other indications for oocyte donation, high miscarriage rates, potentially severe cardiovascular complications during pregnancy, and early implantation failure often ensue. Embryo donation may be medically indicated in couples where both sperm and oocyte donation are mandatory to achieve a normal conception, as in unexplained genetic disease and failure of assisted reproductive technology due to poor fertilization or poor embryo quality.
