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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to the absence of implantation after repeated transfer of good embryos into a normal uterus. This review discusses the diagnostic criteria and cause of RIF. RECENT FINDINGS Regardless of the advancements in IVF practice, RIF is still a challenge that has to be solved. Exact definition of RIF is lacking today. For the initial evaluation, a rigorous algorithmic evaluation should be compromised with an individualized principle. Factors that might affect the number and quality of the oocyte and sperm cells should be investigated in order to obtain a good-quality embryo. Embryo assessment should be performed under ideal laboratory circumstances. The uterine environment should be carefully evaluated and the embryo should be transferred into the uterus at the most receptive time. Some of the newly introduced diseases and empirical treatment strategies, such as chronic endometritis, vaginal microbiota, immunologic profile and immunomodulator treatments, can be discussed with the couple under the light of adequate evidence-based information. SUMMARY New diagnostic and treatment modalities are needed to be introduced, which would be safe, efficient and efficacious after well-designed randomized controlled trials.
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Abstract
Alongside an interplay of a multitude of factors, attainment of a favorable pregnancy outcome is predicated on successful implantation, which in itself is a complex process anchored by balanced interchange with the hemostatic system. Among other etiologies, failure of implantation can result in infertility, and lead affected couples to consider assisted reproductive technology (ART) in an effort to fulfill their desire for procreation. Given the critical role of the hemostatic system in the process of implantation, documentation of a hypercoagulable state during controlled ovarian stimulation in the context of in vitro fertilization, as well as the potential association of its derangement in the setting of thrombophilia, with infertility, ART, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and failure of implantation are explored. Additionally, current evidence addressing the relationship between ART and thromboembolism is examined, as is the role of therapy with heparin and aspirin to decrease thrombotic risk and improve ART-related pregnancy outcomes. Evidence-based recommendations from relevant professional societies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kinga Malinowski
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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3
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Beltagy A, Trespidi L, Gerosa M, Ossola MW, Meroni PL, Chighizola CB. Anti-phospholipid antibodies and reproductive failures. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13258. [PMID: 32347616 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) recapitulates the link between autoimmunity and pregnancy failure: Acquired anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) play a pathogenic role in pregnancy complications. The diagnosis of obstetric APS can easily be pursued when women present with laboratory and clinical features fulfilling the international classification criteria. Standard therapeutic approach to obstetric APS consists in the association of anti-platelet agents and anticoagulants. Most patients achieve a live birth thanks to conventional treatment; however, approximately 20% fail to respond and are managed with additional therapeutic tools added on the top of conventional treatment. Surely, a refinement of risk stratification tools would allow early identification of high-risk pregnancies that warrant tailored treatment. In real life, obstetricians and rheumatologists face complex diagnostic scenarios including women with pregnancy morbidities other than those mentioned in classification criteria such as one or two early losses and premature birth after 34 weeks due to preeclampsia or placental insufficiency, women with low-titer aPL not fulfilling criteria laboratory requirements, women with positive non-criteria aPL, asymptomatic aPL carriers, and infertile women found to be aPL-positive. This review focuses on some of the several unanswered questions related to diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects in obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Beltagy
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Laura Trespidi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, ASST G. Pini & CTO, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Wally Ossola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia B Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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4
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Impact of presence of antiphospholipid antibodies on in vitro fertilization outcome. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2018; 61:359-366. [PMID: 29780778 PMCID: PMC5956119 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2018.61.3.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody (APA) in Korean infertile women undergoing the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to evaluate the influence of APA on the subsequent IVF outcomes. Method Two hundred nineteen infertile women who destined the first IVF were prospectively enrolled in 2 infertility centers. Male factor or uterine factor infertility and women with past or current endocrine or immunologic disorders were completely excluded. Plasma concentration of lupus anticoagulant was measured by clot-based method, and anticardiolipin antibody (IgG/IgM), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody (IgG/IgM) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before starting ovarian stimulation for IVF. Results APA was positive in 13 women (5.9%). Lupus anticoagulant was positive in 2 women (0.9%), anticardiolipin antibody was positive in 7 women (3.2%), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody was positive in 4 women (1.8%). In 193 women entering embryo transfer, clinical characteristics and stimulation outcomes were comparable between APA-positive (n=12) and APA-negative group (n=181). The clinical pregnancy rate (66.7% vs. 45.9%), ongoing pregnancy rate (58.3% vs. 37.0%), and miscarriage rate (12.5% vs. 19.3%) were all similar between APA-positive and APA-negative group. Conclusion The prevalence of APA is low in Korean infertile women undergoing the first IVF cycle, and the presence of APA appears to neither decrease their first IVF success nor increase abortion rate.
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5
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Chen X, Mo ML, Huang CY, Diao LH, Li GG, Li YY, Lerner A, Shoenfeld Y, Zeng Y. Association of serum autoantibodies with pregnancy outcome of patients undergoing first IVF/ICSI treatment: A prospective cohort study. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 122:14-20. [PMID: 28804023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of antiphospholipid (aPL), antinuclear (ANA) or antithyroid (ATA) antibodies in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are controversial. The present study aims to investigate which autoantibodies are associated with the pregnancy outcome of patients undergoing first IVF/ICSI treatment. A total of 3763 IVF/ICSI patients were recruited from January to December 2015. Forty-five patients positive for aPL presenting adverse outcomes in their first cycle received low-dose aspirin treatment before the second transfer. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess any association between autoantibodies and IVF/ICSI outcomes. The aCL-IgG was significantly associated with live birth rate (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.96, p<0.05) and miscarriage rate (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.23-3.40, p<0.01). The aCL-IgM was associated with miscarriage rate (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.29-3.54, p<0.01). The aβ2GPI-IgG was associated with implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.24-0.96, p<0.05; OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13-0.87, p<0.05, respectively). After the low-dose aspirin treatment, the live birth rate (37.0% vs. 19.1%, p<0.05) increased significantly in patients with positive for aPL. In contrary, the aβ2GPI-IgM, ANA, anti-thyroglobulin (aTG) and anti-thyroperoxidase (aTPO) antibodies had no association with IVF/ICSI outcome. It is suggested that the presence of aCL-IgG, aCL-IgM and aβ2GPI-IgG might exert a detrimental effect on IVF/ICSI outcomes. Low-dose aspirin treatment could be useful for patients positive for these antibodies. Therefore, it is suggested that these antibodies should be assessed prior to IVF/ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Mei-Lan Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Chun-Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Liang-Hui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Guan-Gui Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Yu-Ye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Aaron Lerner
- B, Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel institute of Technology, Michal St, No. 7, Haifa, 34362, Israel; Aesku.KIPP Institute, Wendelsheim, Germany
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China.
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Abstract
Reproductive issues including contraception, fertility, and pregnancy are important components of the comprehensive care of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE pregnancies are complicated due to risk for maternal disease exacerbation and potential for fetal and neonatal complications. Pre-pregnancy assessment is important to identify patients with severe disease-related damage who should avoid pregnancy, counsel patients to conceive when disease has been stable and inactive on appropriate medications, and assess relevant risk factors including renal disease, antiphospholipid antibody, and anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies. With careful planning, monitoring, and care, most women with SLE can anticipate a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Sammaritano
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021;
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Chighizola CB, de Jesus GR, Branch DW. The hidden world of anti-phospholipid antibodies and female infertility: A literature appraisal. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:493-500. [PMID: 26827907 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Even though the association of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) with infertility is debated, infertile women are commonly screened for aPL. To review evidence, a systematic PubMed search was conducted to retrieve papers addressing (i) the association between aPL and infertility, (ii) the positivity rate of criteria and non-criteria aPL in women with infertility, (iii) the association between aPL and assisted reproduction technologies (ART) outcome, (iv) the efficacy of medical treatments on ART outcome, and (v) the effects of ART on thrombotic risk. A total of 46 papers were considered; several limitations emerged: (i) wide heterogeneity in study populations, (ii) non-prospective design in 90% of studies, and (iii) aPL cutoffs not conforming to international guidelines in more than 75% of studies; aPL positivity not confirmed in 89% of studies. Most studies evinced an association between infertility and anti-β2GPI antibodies and almost all non-criteria aPL. The association rate with infertility was below 50% for lupus anti-coagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and anti-phosphatidic acid antibodies. According to our estimates, overall positivity rates of criteria and non-criteria aPL tests are 6% and 3% among infertile women, 1% and 2% among controls, respectively. A significant difference in the positivity rate of patients versus controls emerged for aCL only. Five of 18 studies reported a detrimental effect of aPL on ART outcome. Only one of the six studies assessing the effects of treatment on ART outcome among aPL-positive infertile women reported a benefit. All relevant studies reported no increase in the rate of thrombosis among aPL-positive women undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia B Chighizola
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Experimental Laboratory of Immunology and Rheumatology Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Guilherme R de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu, 500-1o andar, Vila Isabel CEP, 20550-170, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Ware Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences, Intermountain Healthcare, 50 N Medical Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Understanding and Managing Pregnancy in Patients with Lupus. Autoimmune Dis 2015; 2015:943490. [PMID: 26246905 PMCID: PMC4515284 DOI: 10.1155/2015/943490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic autoimmune disease that occurs predominantly in women of fertile age. The association of SLE and pregnancy, mainly with active disease and especially with nephritis, has poorer pregnancy outcomes, with increased frequency of preeclampsia, fetal loss, prematurity, growth restriction, and newborns small for gestational age. Therefore, SLE pregnancies are considered high risk condition, should be monitored frequently during pregnancy and delivery should occur in a controlled setting. Pregnancy induces dramatic immune and neuroendocrine changes in the maternal body in order to protect the fetus from immunologic attack and these modifications can be affected by SLE. The risk of flares depends on the level of maternal disease activity in the 6–12 months before conception and is higher in women with repeated flares before conception, in those who discontinue useful medications and in women with active glomerulonephritis at conception. It is a challenge to differentiate lupus nephritis from preeclampsia and, in this context, the angiogenic and antiangiogenic cytokines are promising. Prenatal care of pregnant patients with SLE requires close collaboration between rheumatologist and obstetrician. Planning pregnancy is essential to increase the probability of successful pregnancies.
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Patrizio P, Vaiarelli A, Levi Setti PE, Tobler KJ, Shoham G, Leong M, Shoham Z. How to define, diagnose and treat poor responders? Responses from a worldwide survey of IVF clinics. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:581-92. [PMID: 25892496 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Poor responders represent a significant percentage of couples treated in IVF units (10-24%), but the standard definition of poor responders remains uncertain and consequently optimal treatment options remain subjective and not evidence-based. In an attempt to provide uniformity on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of poor responders, a worldwide survey was conducted asking IVF professionals a set of questions on this complex topic. The survey was posted on www.IVF-worldwide.com, the largest and most comprehensive IVF-focused website for physicians and embryologists. A total of 196 centres replied, forming a panel of IVF units with a median of 400 cycles per year. The present study shows that the definition of poor responders is still subjective, and many practices do not use evidence-based treatment for this category of patients. Our hope is that by leveraging the great potential of the internet, future studies may provide immediate large-scale sampling to standardize both poor responder definition and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije University Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paolo E Levi Setti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital Fertility Center, Rozzano, Milan 20084, Italy
| | - Kyle J Tobler
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gon Shoham
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Zeev Shoham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Abstract
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology is widely used to treat couples affected by infertility. Complications associated with assisted reproduction include venous thromboembolism, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and recurrent implantation failure. It has also been proposed that thrombophilia may be associated with an increased likelihood of these events. Although data are limited, antithrombotic therapy is frequently used to enhance the likelihood of successful assisted reproduction. This chapter reviews the risks of venous and arterial thromboembolism associated with assisted reproduction, as well as available data regarding the impact of thrombophilia on the risks of thromboembolism and failure of implantation. The role of antithrombotic therapy in reducing the likelihood of these events, along with recommendations from various guidelines, are also discussed.
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Soh MC, Pasupathy D, Gray G, Nelson-Piercy C. Persistent antiphospholipid antibodies do not contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 52:1642-7. [PMID: 23681394 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether women with persistent aPL (>12 weeks apart on at least two separate occasions) without a history of thrombosis or adverse pregnancy outcome had the same adverse pregnancy outcomes as those with obstetric APS or unmatched controls. METHODS This was a case-control study between 2005 and 2011 where we identified 73 women with persistent aPL and coincidentally the same number with obstetric APS. Unmatched controls were identified from low-risk clinics (ratio 1:4). Women with multiple pregnancies, fetal anomalies, SLE, thrombotic APS and other thrombophilias were excluded. RESULTS Cases and controls were demographically similar, with the exception of younger controls with fewer medical comorbidities. aPL profiles were similar between aPL and APS. In women with aPL, risk of APS-type complications (odds ratio 1.3; 95% CI 0.6, 2.9) and birthweight distribution (median birthweight on a customized centile was 50.8, interquartile range 26.4-68.9; P < 0.05) were similar to controls. These findings persisted even after adjustment for maternal age and medical comorbidities. CONCLUSION Women with persistent aPL on aspirin had pregnancy outcomes that were similar to controls. These data suggest that in the absence of other risk factors, women with aPL do not need intense antenatal surveillance or modified management in pregnancy.
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12
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Penzias AS. Recurrent IVF failure: other factors. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1033-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lopera-Vallejo AF, Alijotas-Reig J. Anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos y fracaso implantatorio recurrente en fertilización in vitro. El debate continúa. Med Clin (Barc) 2011; 137:697-701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Zhong YP, Ying Y, Wu HT, Zhou CQ, Xu YW, Wang Q, Li J, Sheng XT, Li J. Impact of anticardiolipin antibody on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:504-9. [PMID: 21762406 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To investigate the impact of anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS A total of 76 infertile women positive for anticardiolipin antibody (ACA+ group) and 819 controls negative for anticardiolipin antibody (ACA- group) undergoing IVF-ET in the First Affiliated Hospital, to Sun Yat-Sen University, were retrospectively analyzed. Women were diagnosed as having pure tubal factor infertility. RESULTS The proportion of patients with a history of spontaneous abortion in the ACA+ group was significantly higher than that in ACA- group (19.7% versus 8.9%). The IVF rate, pregnancy rate and implantation rate in the ACA+ group were markedly lower than those in the ACA- group (75.5% versus 78.9%, 31.3% versus 48.6% and 16.1% versus 28.1%, respectively). Furthermore, the incidence of pregnancy loss in the ACA+ group was higher than that in the ACA- group (32.0% versus 15.1%). CONCLUSION ACA-positive patients had significantly decreased IVF rate, pregnancy rate and implantation rate and high risk of abortion. Therefore, ACA positivity predicts poor outcome of IVF-ET, and pre-treatment to lower ACA level may be clinically beneficial for patients receiving IVF-ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Zhong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Tuthill JI, Khamashta MA. Management of antiphospholipid syndrome. J Autoimmun 2009; 33:92-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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