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Suker A, Li Y, Robson D, Marren A. Australasian recurrent pregnancy loss clinical management guideline 2024, part II. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38934293 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Part II of the Australasian guideline for the investigation and management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) provides evidence-based guidance on the management of RPL provided. The implications of inherited and acquired thrombophilia with respect to RPL and suggestions for clinical management are provided. Autoimmune factors, including human leukocyte antigen, cytokines, antinuclear antibodies and coeliac antibodies, and guidance for management are discussed. Infective, inflammatory and endometrial causes of RPL are discussed in detail. Environmental and lifestyle factors, male factor and unexplained causes are outlined. Levels of evidence and grades of consensus are provided for all evidence-based statements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Suker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle Robson
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Marren
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Fabregues F, Antonio García-Velasco J, Llácer J, Requena A, Ángel Checa M, Bellver J, José Espinós J. The role of thrombophilias in reproduction: A swot analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 280:12-21. [PMID: 36375360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thrombophilia is a group of inherited or acquired coagulation disorders that have been associated with reproductive failure. However, there are still no clear recommendations on whether its inclusion in the initial study of the infertile couple or patients with recurrent implantation failure is necessary. In this discussion paper, based on a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, the different aspects of the repercussions of thrombophilia screening and treatment in reproduction are evaluated. To avoid possible subjectivity in the analysis and results of this study, researchers followed Oxford criteria for the evaluation of evidence. The results from the evaluation of the reviewed bibliography seem to indicate that, pending new evidence, it would be advisable not to include thrombophilia screening in the initial baseline study of the infertile couple. There is no evidence to support a clear association between thrombophilia and implantation failure or infertility. Thrombophilia testing in this setting may increase cost, with minimal potential benefit and lead to inappropriate use of anticoagulants with possible deleterious adverse effects. Future well-designed studies are needed to assess the possible benefit of anticoagulant therapy in infertile thrombophilic patients with implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fabregues
- Institut Clinic Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic, C/Villarroel 160, Barcelona 08036, Spain.
| | | | - Joaquín Llácer
- Ginefiv-GeneraLife, Calle José Silva 18, Madrid 28043, Spain
| | - Antonio Requena
- Ginefiv-GeneraLife, Calle José Silva 18, Madrid 28043, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Checa
- Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar, Paseo Maritimo 25-29, Barcelona 08005, Spain; Fundación Fertty, Ausiàs March 25, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - José Bellver
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Spain; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI-RMA) Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain; Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Espinós
- Fundación Fertty, Ausiàs March 25, Barcelona 08010, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Campus de la UAB, Plaza Cívica, s/n, Bellaterra (Barcelona) 08193, Spain
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3
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Mascarenhas M, Jeve Y, Polanski L, Sharpe A, Yasmin E, Bhandari HM. Management of recurrent implantation failure: British Fertility Society policy and practice guideline. HUM FERTIL 2022; 25:813-837. [PMID: 33820476 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1905886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is defined as the absence of a positive pregnancy test after three consecutive transfers of good quality embryos. There remains significant variation in clinical practice in the management of RIF. This British Fertility Society (BFS) Policy and Practice guideline analyses the evidence for investigations and therapies that are employed in RIF and provides recommendations for clinical practice and for further research. Evidence for investigations of sperm and egg quality, uterine and adnexal factors, immunological factors and thrombophilia, endocrine conditions and genetic factors and for associated therapies have been evaluated. This guideline has been devised to assist reproductive medicine specialists and patients in making shared decisions concerning management of RIF. Finally, suggestions for research towards improving understanding and management of RIF have also been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Mascarenhas
- Leeds Fertility, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine, The Fertility Partnership, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yadava Jeve
- Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lukasz Polanski
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Abigail Sharpe
- Leeds Fertility, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ephia Yasmin
- Department of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
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Zhang Y, Song Y, Xia X, Wang J, Qian Y, Yuan C, Mao Y, Diao F, Liu J, Ma X. A retrospective study on IVF/ICSI outcomes in patients with persisted positive of anticardiolipin antibody: Effects of low-dose aspirin plus low molecular weight heparin adjuvant treatment. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 153:103674. [PMID: 35882076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies are more frequently detected among infertile women, but the association between aPL and in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes and whether need to get routine treatment are still controversial. The present study aims to find out whether infertile population with persistent aPL positive need treatment and which therapy is more effective. This retrospective study included 181 persistent aPL positive women, including 149 cases receiving anticoagulant treatment, either low-dose aspirin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or aspirin plus LMWH adjuvant treatment (treated group), and 32 cases not receiving any treatment (untreated group). The treated group were further divided by combination therapy group (using both aspirin and LMWH,52 cases) and monotherapy group (only using aspirin,76 cases). The live birth rate and other clinical outcomes, including pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate were compared. The results show anticoagulant therapy can significantly improve live birth rate (59.06 % VS 34.48 %, P = 0.019), implantation rate (59.64 % VS 46.15 %, P<0.001), ongoing pregnancy rate (59.73 % VS 34.38 %, P = 0.016), as well as reduce miscarriage rate (8.25 % VS 31.25 %, P<0.001). Combination treatment of aspirin and LMWH exerts a higher live birth rate than monotherapy (75.00 % VS 53.95 %, P = 0.026). Infertile women with aPL positive might be classified as high-risk and low-risk aPL profiles. Those high-risk aPL positive infertile populations should be identified during IVF/ICSI and given corresponding thromboprophylaxis, and aspirin plus LMWH adjuvant treatment might be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yunjie Song
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yi Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yundong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Kwak-Kim J, AlSubki L, Luu T, Ganieva U, Thees A, Dambaeva S, Gilman-Sachs A. The role of immunologic tests for subfertility in the clinical environment. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1132-1143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Jarne-Borràs M, Miró-Mur F, Anunciación-Llunell A, Alijotas-Reig J. Antiphospholipid antibodies in women with recurrent embryo implantation failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2022; 21:103101. [PMID: 35452853 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are related to poor pregnancy outcomes, but their effect on embryo implantation is unclear. We aimed to assess the prevalence of different aPL in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). METHODS We searched studies in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Library. Quality of studies was scored by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and risk of bias assessment by items described in RevMan5 software. Statistical analyses were made using random-effects model and presented as pooled Odds Ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by I2% and D2%. RESULTS This systematic review and meta-analysis included 17 studies and showed a high degree of variability in aPL positivity in RIF. In the latter, the risk of bias assessment suggested unclear bias on study performance with a median sample size and interquartile range for RIF patients and fertile women of 96 (57-417) and 100 (60.5-202.5), respectively. Among the criteria aPL, IgG anticardiolipin autoantibodies (OR 5.02, 95% CI [1.95, 12.93]) were associated with RIF. Within the non-criteria aPL, anti-β2 glycoprotein I-IgA (OR 64.8, 95% CI [9.74, 431.0]), and antiphosphatidylglycerol-IgG and IgM (OR 10.74, 95% CI [5.25, 22.0]; OR 4.26, 95% CI [1.76,10.31]; respectively) were associated with RIF, too. CONCLUSIONS Anticardiolipin-IgG is a prevalent autoantibody in women with RIF. Three other non-criteria aPL, aβ2GP I-IgA, aPG-IgG and aPG-IgM also present a positive rate in RIF. Overall, these results advise about testing them as indicators of RIF risk in women seeking IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesc Miró-Mur
- Systemic Autoimmune Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Jaume Alijotas-Reig
- Systemic Autoimmune Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, Spain; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Tan XF, Xu L, Li TT, Wu YT, Ma WW, Ding JY, Dong HL. Serum antiphospholipid antibody status may not be associated with the pregnancy outcomes of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29146. [PMID: 35357357 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease that is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. It is still controversial whether the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in the serum of patients with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) has a negative effect on the outcomes. In view of the discrepancies, a meta-analysis of the published data was performed to explore the relationship of aPL and IVF-ET outcomes. METHODS We searched for all published articles indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, which were retrieved up to April, 2021. A total of 921 studies were yielded, of which 6 finally met the inclusion criteria. We carried out the meta-analysis by pooling results of these studies with Review Manager 5.3 software. The effect index was measured with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the relative risks (RRs). RESULTS Six eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, involving 3214 patients. Our results showed that positive aPL was not associated with decreased clinical pregnancy rate (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.91-1.04). There was no correlation between positive aPL and increased miscarriage risk (RR 1.22; 95% CI 0.94-1.58). Only 5 of the 6 studies referred to live birth rate, but still no association was found between them (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.81-1.11). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the presence of positive aPL neither decreased clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, nor increased miscarriage rate in women undergoing IVF, which is differed from the opinion of clinical practice. More prospective studies with high quality and larger sample size are needed to evaluate the relationship between positive aPL and outcomes of IVF-ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Yan-Ting Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Wei-Wei Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Hong-Li Dong
- Scientific Education Section and Department of Child Healthcare, Affiliated Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province, China
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Recurrent Implantation Failure-Is It the Egg or the Chicken? LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:life12010039. [PMID: 35054432 PMCID: PMC8777926 DOI: 10.3390/life12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an undefined, quite often, clinical phenomenon that can result from the repeated failure of embryo transfers to obtain a viable pregnancy. Careful clinical evaluation prior to assisted reproduction can uncover various treatable causes, including endocrine dysfunction, fibroid(s), polyp(s), adhesions, uterine malformations. Despite the fact that it is often encountered and has a critical role in Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) and human reproduction, RIF’s do not yet have an agreed-on definition, and its etiologic factors have not been entirely determined. ART is a complex treatment with a variable percentage of success among patients and care providers. ART depends on several factors that are not always known and probably not always the same. When confronted with repeated ART failure, medical care providers should try to determine whether the cause is an embryo or endometrium related. One of the most common causes of pregnancy failure is aneuploidy. Therefore, it is likely that this represents a common cause of RIF. Other RIF potential causes include immune and endometrial factors; however, with a very poorly defined role. Recent data indicate that the possible endometrial causes of RIF are very rare, thereby throwing into doubt all endometrial receptivity assays. All recent reports indicate that the true origin of RIF is probably due to the “egg”.
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Zhang Y, Xia M, Song Y, Wang J, Mao Y, Liu J, Ma X. Long-term pituitary downregulation before frozen embryo transfer improves clinical outcomes in women positive for serum autoantibodies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 265:102-106. [PMID: 34482233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies are associated with worse outcomes in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), including increasing miscarriage rate, lowering pregnancy rate, and lowering delivery rate. However, little is known about improving IVF/ICSI outcomes for autoantibody-positive women, especially in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. This study aimed to investigate whether pituitary suppression before FET improves the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) for IVF/ICSI women positive for serum autoantibodies. STUDY DESIGN A total of 181 infertile women positive for serum autoantibodies were recruited, including 65 women receiving GnRHa and hormone replacement therapy protocols (G-HRT group) and 116 women using modified natural cycles (MNC)/mild stimulated cycles (MSC) as FET protocols (MNC/MSC group). The outcomes were compared between two groups, including CPR, implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), LBR, and gestational age (GA). The primary outcome of the study was CPR. RESULTS CPR, OPR, and LBR per embryo transferred in the G-HRT groups were significantly higher than those in the MNC/MSC group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the IR and MR. The CPR, IR, MR, OPR, and LBR was 72.23%, 64.00%, 12.77%, 63.07%, and 63.07% in the G-HRT group, respectively, while that was 56.90%, 53.07%, 10.60%, 50.00%, and 50.00% in the MNC/MSC group, respectively. After adjusting for partial potential confounding factors using multiple logistic regression, the type of endometrial preparation is the factor independently associated with enhanced CPR (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.24-0.96, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS The current study showed that prior long-term GnRHa suppression could benefit patients with high serum autoantibody levels during IVF/ICSI FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Meng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yunjie Song
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yundong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Gupta L, Balakrishnan A, Mehta P. Pregnancy counseling in rheumatic diseases: Where science meets the steps. INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/injr.injr_79_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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11
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Ehsani M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M, Mirzakhani M, Esmaeilzadeh S, Shahbazi M. Female Unexplained Infertility: A Disease with Imbalanced Adaptive Immunity. J Hum Reprod Sci 2019; 12:274-282. [PMID: 32038075 PMCID: PMC6937763 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_30_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Unexplained infertility (UI) among women consists of only 10-17% of infertile females. Unexplained or idiopathic infertility is a condition, in which couples are not able to conceive without any definite causes. The presence of the decidual immune system (innate or adaptive) is essential for a successful pregnancy and fertility that is mediated by T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper, CD8+ CD28− T, and regulatory T cells, as well as autoantibodies such as antiphospholipid antibody, antithyroid antibody, antiovarian antibody, cytokines, and chemokines. Therefore, altered proportions or levels of the mentioned compartments of the adaptive immune system may cause pregnancy failure and infertility, especially in UI. Consequently, a deep understanding of immunological compartments in females with UI may help us to define the causes of this disease with regard to immunology. This review will discuss immunological factors, including cellular, molecular components, and transcription factors that are involved in the etiology of UI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Ehsani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Mousa Mohammadnia-Afrouzi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzakhani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Sedighe Esmaeilzadeh
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahbazi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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12
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Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with obstetric complications along with vascular events affecting multiple organ systems in patients having positive titers of antiphospholipid antibodies. Eight to 20% of infertility cases have an unknown cause, part of which could be due to antiphospholipid syndrome. Although still debatable, many studies have addressed the relation between reproductive failure and antiphospholipid antibodies through the relation between antiphospholipid antibodies and unexplained infertility as well as the effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on the outcome of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer. Few studies and cases have associated the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with male infertility, describing morphofunctional penile abnormalities and testicular infarction. There are not enough data to support the routine practice of testing antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G El Hasbani
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - I Uthman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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13
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Lockshin MD. Assisted reproductive technologies for women with rheumatic AID. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 64:85-96. [PMID: 31791669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures are safe for women with rheumatic autoimmune diseases (rAID) when illness is inactive. Medications incompatible with pregnancy should be replaced with alternative pregnancy-compatible medications months before planned ART procedures to allow time to verify the substitute medication's efficacy and tolerability. Medications compatible with pregnancy should be continued, as should anticoagulation (warfarin changed to low-molecular-weight heparin) before pregnancy begins. Protocols that provide details for specific medications are available. All patients with rAID should be screened for diagnosis-relevant organ system damage, and those intending to carry their own pregnancies must be tested for aPL and anti-Ro/La autoantibodies. Patients with organ damage and/or positive tests for aPL and anti-Ro/La should be counseled about fetal and maternal risks, including implications to the child and family of maternal disability or death. Sperm donors with rAID may need to discontinue medications. REI and physicians treating patients with rAID (usually rheumatologists) must work together to plan and accomplish ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Lockshin
- Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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Yang X, Zhang C, Chen G, Sun C, Li J. Antibodies: The major participants in maternal-fetal interaction. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 45:39-46. [PMID: 30338894 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. We searched the related literatures and overviewed the major antibodies associated with pregnancy and described in details their possible roles in mediating maternal-fetal interactions. Antibodies classified into different types based on their functional or structural characteristics were summarized, including immunoglobulin G, blocking antibody, nonprecipitating asymmetric antibody, antiphospholipid antibody, antitrophoblast antibody and antipaternal antibody. The presence and levels of various circulating antibodies in pregnancy may play a crucial role in the occurrence, development and termination of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of Clinical Lab, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Caiji Zhang
- Department of Clinical Lab, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Guozhen Chen
- Department of Clinical Lab, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Chengming Sun
- Department of Clinical Lab, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
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Han AR, Lee SK. Immune modulation of i.v. immunoglobulin in women with reproductive failure. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:115-124. [PMID: 29692668 PMCID: PMC5902469 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of maternal immune tolerance of the semi‐allogenic fetus has been explored extensively. The immune reaction to defend from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms should be maintained during pregnancy. An imbalance between the immune tolerance to the fetus and immune activation to the pathogenic organisms is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. This emphasizes that the immune mechanism of successful reproduction is not just immune suppression, but adequate immune modulation. Methods In this review, the action of i.v. immunoglobulin G (IVIg) on the immune system and its efficacy in reproductive failure (RF) was summarized. Also suggested is the indication of IVIg therapy for women with RF. Main findings (Results) Based on the mechanism of the immune regulation of IVIg and following confirmation of the immune modulation effects of it in various aberrant immune parameters in patients with RF, it is obvious that IVIg is effective in recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated implantation failures with immunologic disturbances. Conclusion The authors recommend IVIg therapy in patients with RF with aberrant cellular immunologic parameters, including a high natural killer cell proportion and its cytotoxicity or elevated T helper 1 to T helper 2 ratio, based on each clinic's cut‐off values. Further clinical studies about the safety of IVIg in the fetus and its efficacy in other immunologic abnormalities of RF are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae R Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gangseo Mizmedi Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Eulji University College of Medicine Daejeon South Korea
| | - Sung K Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Konyang University College of Medicine Daejeon South Korea
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Mekinian A, Bourrienne MC, Carbillon L, Benbara A, Noémie A, Chollet-Martin S, Tigaizin A, Montestruc F, Fain O, Nicaise-Roland P. Non-conventional antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with clinical obstetrical APS: Prevalence and treatment efficacy in pregnancies. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2016; 46:232-237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Malik P, Kaur M, Bedi GK, Kaur K. Clinical significance of nonspecificity of antiphospholipid antibodies in recurrent abortions and unexplained infertility. Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2016; 6:115-8. [PMID: 27127741 PMCID: PMC4830150 DOI: 10.4103/2229-516x.179025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) are acquired autoantibodies directed to phospholipids which are associated with slow progressive thrombosis and infarction of placenta. Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss may occur because of impaired trophoblast function, placental infarction, and abnormal blood clotting. Aim: To evaluate APLA (IgG and IgM) in cases of infertility and recurrent abortions. Materials and Methods: A prospective study comprising 70 subjects was carried out. Fifty cases of unexplained infertility and recurrent abortions (25 each) constituted the study group. Twenty healthy multipara females of same reproductive age group constituted the control group. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for two types of APLA (IgG and IgM) by ELISA method. Results: The mean IgM and IgG levels in recurrent abortions group were 8.10 MPL-U/ml and 6.17 GPL-U/ml, respectively whereas in control group, the levels were 4.67 MPL-U/ml and 4.53 GPL-U/ml, respectively. The difference was statistically nonsignificant. The mean IgM and IgG levels in unexplained infertility group were 7.30 MPL-U/ml and 6.12 GPL-U/ml, respectively whereas in control group, the levels were 4.67 MPL-U/ml and 4.53 GPL-U/ml, respectively. Again the difference was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: The present study concludes that there is no significance of raised APLA in cases of infertility and recurrent abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maninder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, GMC, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | | | - Khushpreet Kaur
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology, GMC, Patiala, Punjab, India
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Kushnir VA, Solouki S, Sarig-Meth T, Vega MG, Albertini DF, Darmon SK, Deligdisch L, Barad DH, Gleicher N. Systemic Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Women with Chronic Endometritis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:672-7. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly A. Kushnir
- The Center for Human Reproduction; New York NY USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem NC USA
| | | | | | | | - David F. Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction; New York NY USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center; Kansas City KS USA
| | | | | | - David H. Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction; New York NY USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx NY USA
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine; New York NY USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction; New York NY USA
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine; New York NY USA
- The Rockefeller University; New York NY USA
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19
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Mekinian A, Cohen J, Alijotas-Reig J, Carbillon L, Nicaise-Roland P, Kayem G, Daraï E, Fain O, Bornes M. Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage and Recurrent Implantation Failure: Is There a Place for Immunomodulation? Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:8-28. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Mekinian
- AP-HP; Hôpital Saint-Antoine; Service de Médecine Interne and Inflammation-(DHU i2B); Paris France
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- AP-HP; Hôpital Tenon; Service d'Obstétrique et de Procréation Médicalement Assistée; Paris France
| | - Jaume Alijotas-Reig
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit; Department of Internal Medicine I; Vall d'Hebrón University Hospital; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Lionel Carbillon
- AP-HP; Hôpital Jean Verdier; Service d'Obstétrique; Bondy France
| | | | - Gilles Kayem
- AP-HP; Hôpital Trousseau; Service d'Obstétrique; Paris France
| | - Emile Daraï
- AP-HP; Hôpital Tenon; Service d'Obstétrique et de Procréation Médicalement Assistée; Paris France
| | - Olivier Fain
- AP-HP; Hôpital Saint-Antoine; Service de Médecine Interne and Inflammation-(DHU i2B); Paris France
| | - Marie Bornes
- AP-HP; Hôpital Tenon; Service d'Obstétrique et de Procréation Médicalement Assistée; Paris France
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Heng BC, Huang W, Zhong X, Yin P, Tong GQ. Roles of Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Antithyroid Antibodies and Antisperm Antibodies in Female Reproductive Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1159/000381900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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Antiphospholipid antibodies in women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: clinical value of IgA anti-β2glycoprotein I antibodies determination. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:314704. [PMID: 24967354 PMCID: PMC4055657 DOI: 10.1155/2014/314704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation failure could be related to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). We retrospectively analyzed the usefulness of aPL determination in women undergoing IVF. Conventional aPL of the antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), anti-β2glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, and IgG and IgM isotypes as well as IgA isotype were analyzed in women presenting with at least two implantation failures after in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a population of 40 IVF patients, a total prevalence of 20% (8/40) of aPL was found, significantly different from that of the control population (100 healthy blood donors, P < 0.0005). Among the panels of aPL tested, aβ2GPI IgA antibodies were the most prevalent (62.5% 5/8), significantly higher in IVF patients (12.5%, 5/40) than in controls (1%, 1/100) (P = 0.01). No difference according to the numbers of IVF attempts and success of embryo implantation was found between aPL positive and negative IVF patients. In contrast, no accomplished pregnancy with full-term live birth was observed in aPL positive IVF patients. Altogether our data led us to propose aPL assessment, in particular aβ2GPI IgA antibodies, in support of IVF treated women. In a perspective way, an early aPL detection could be the basis for defining novel therapeutic strategy.
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Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome: a recent classification for an old defined disorder. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 13:901-8. [PMID: 24820522 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is now being recognized as a distinct entity from vascular APS. Pregnancy morbidity includes >3 consecutive and spontaneous early miscarriages before 10weeks of gestation; at least one unexplained fetal death after the 10th week of gestation of a morphologically normal fetus; a premature birth before the 34th week of gestation of a normal neonate due to eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia or placental insufficiency. It is not well understood how antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), beyond their diagnostic and prognostic role, contribute to pregnancy manifestations. Indeed aPL-mediated thrombotic events cannot explain the obstetric manifestations and additional pathogenic mechanisms, such as a placental aPL mediated complement activation and a direct effect of aPLs on placental development, have been reported. Still debated is the possible association between aPLs and infertility and the effect of maternal autoantibodies on non-vascular manifestations in the babies. Combination of low dose aspirin and unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin is the effective treatment in most of the cases. However, pregnancy complications, in spite of this therapy, can occur in up to 20% of the patients. Novel alternative therapies able to abrogate the aPL pathogenic action either by interfering with aPL binding at the placental level or by inhibiting the aPL-mediated detrimental effect are under active investigation.
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What exactly do we mean by ‘recurrent implantation failure’? A systematic review and opinion. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:409-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Henriksson P, Westerlund E, Wallén H, Brandt L, Hovatta O, Ekbom A. Incidence of pulmonary and venous thromboembolism in pregnancies after in vitro fertilisation: cross sectional study. BMJ 2013; 346:e8632. [PMID: 23321489 PMCID: PMC3546085 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e8632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the risk of pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism in pregnant women after in vitro fertilisation. DESIGN Cross sectional study. SETTING Sweden. PARTICIPANTS 23,498 women who had given birth after in vitro fertilisation between 1990 and 2008 and 116,960 individually matched women with natural pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Risk of pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism (identified by linkage to the Swedish national patient register) during the whole pregnancy and by trimester. RESULTS Venous thromboembolism occurred in 4.2/1000 women (n=99) after in vitro fertilisation compared with 2.5/1000 (n=291) in women with natural pregnancies (hazard ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.41 to 2.23). The risk of venous thromboembolism was increased during the whole pregnancy (P<0.001) and differed between the trimesters (P=0.002). The risk was particularly increased during the first trimester, at 1.5/1000 after in vitro fertilisation versus 0.3/1000 (hazard ratio 4.22, 2.46 to 7.26). The proportion of women experiencing pulmonary embolism during the first trimester was 3.0/10,000 after in vitro fertilisation versus 0.4/10,000 (hazard ratio 6.97, 2.21 to 21.96). CONCLUSIONS In vitro fertilisation is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism during the first trimester. The risk of pulmonary embolism is low in absolute terms but because the condition is a leading cause of maternal mortality and clinical suspicion is critical for diagnosis, an awareness of this risk is important. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01524393.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Henriksson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE 182 88 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kokcu A, Yavuz E, Celik H, Bildircin D. A panoramic view to relationships between reproductive failure and immunological factors. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 286:1283-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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