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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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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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Petukhova NL, Tsaturova KA, Vartanian EV, Schigoleva AV, Markin AV. Study of the frequency of occurrence of genetic and acquired thrombophilia in infertile women prior IVF. Gynecol Endocrinol 2014; 30 Suppl 1:32-4. [PMID: 25200826 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.945783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study of infertile women prior in vitro fertilization (IVF) is focused at the genetic and acquired thrombophilia before the IVF program, the identification of the frequency of occurrence of thrombophilia in them, the impact of thrombophilia of the offensive, the course and outcome of pregnancies, to improve the quality of cycles in terms of a pregnancy and childbirth. Forty-five women with infertility were examined. Thirty-two (71%) were identified thrombophilia: genetic thrombophilia in 32 cases (100%), among them a combination of several forms of genetic thrombophilia - 21 (63%) of them, other forms of thrombophilia (genetic and acquired) - in 5 of them (16%). In IVF 23 (72%) women became pregnant. In 87% of pregnancies ended in spontaneous birth, in 13% of cases of preterm birth.
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Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Barad D. Female infertility due to abnormal autoimmunity: frequently overlooked and greatly underappreciated. Part I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17474108.2.4.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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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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Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Lee IH, Barad DH. FMR1 genotype with autoimmunity-associated polycystic ovary-like phenotype and decreased pregnancy chance. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15303. [PMID: 21179569 PMCID: PMC3002956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The FMR1 gene partially appears to control ovarian reserve, with a specific ovarian sub-genotype statistically associated with a polycystic ovary (PCO)- like phenotype. Some forms of PCO have been associated with autoimmunity. We, therefore, investigated in multiple regression analyses associations of ovary-specific FMR1 genotypes with autoimmunity and pregnancy chances (with in vitro fertilization, IVF) in 339 consecutive infertile women (455 IVF cycles), 75 with PCO-like phenotype, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, medication dosage and number of oocytes retrieved. Patients included 183 (54.0%) with normal (norm) and 156 (46%) with heterozygous (het) FMR1 genotypes; 133 (39.2%) demonstrated laboratory evidence of autoimmunity: 51.1% of het-norm/low, 38.3% of norm and 24.2% het-norm/high genotype and sub-genotypes demonstrated autoimmunity (p = 0.003). Prevalence of autoimmunity increased further in PCO-like phenotype patients with het-norm/low genotype (83.3%), remained unchanged with norm (34.0%) and decreased in het-norm/high women (10.0%; P<0.0001). Pregnancy rates were significantly higher with norm (38.6%) than het-norm/low (22.2%, p = 0.001). FMR1 sub-genotype het-norm/low is strongly associated with autoimmunity and decreased pregnancy chances in IVF, reaffirming the importance of the distal long arm of the X chromosome (FMR1 maps at Xq27.3) for autoimmunity, ovarian function and, likely, pregnancy chance with IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NG); (DHB)
| | - Andrea Weghofer
- Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna University School of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene H. Lee
- Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David H. Barad
- Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NG); (DHB)
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Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies among women experiencing unexplained infertility and recurrent implantation failure. Fertil Steril 2009; 93:2441-3. [PMID: 19962695 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalences of antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) among 1,325 women with a history of unexplained infertility and 676 women experiencing recurrent implantation failure were compared with 789 women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and 205 fertile control women. Eight percent and 9% of women with a history of unexplained infertility and recurrent implantation failure had more than one positive APA compared with 1.5% of fertile negative control women and 11% of positive control women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Matsubayashi H. Autoantibodies and coagulation in reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2009; 8:131-140. [PMID: 29662422 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-009-0026-9] [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: 05/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is considered to be difficult, in part because of cunfusion between autoantibodies and coagulation disorders. Autoantibodies and coagulation are related; two groups of multicenter studies concerning autoantibodies and coagulation reported that factor XII deficiency, hypofibrinolysis, anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I, anti-annexin A5, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were found to be frequent risk factors in RPL women. Therefore, discrimination of autoantibodies and coagulation is important in understanding RPL well. We propose three types of pathways regarding reproduction, which are different and independent: (1) Negatively charged-phospholipid related antibodies (anti-phosphatidylserine; aPS, anti-cardiolipin; aCL, lupus anticoagulant; LA, anti-annexin A5; aANX), (2) factor XII-aPE-fibrinolysis: suppression of fibrinolysis, (3) protein C-protein S-factor V: loss of inactivation against activated factor V. Women with RPL and infertility showed similar findings in terms of the above clinical tests. Available data, however, is not enough to conclude whether these are pathogenic to infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiko Matsubayashi
- Tokai University School of Medicine 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193 Kanagawa Japan.,Osaka New ART Clinic Pacificmarks Nishiumeda 10F, 2-6-20 Umeda, Kita-ku 530-0001 Osaka Japan
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9
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Sanmarco M, Bardin N, Camoin L, Beziane A, Dignat-George F, Gamerre M, Porcu G. Antigenic profile, prevalence, and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in women referred for in vitro fertilization. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1108:457-65. [PMID: 17894010 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1422.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in women who had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the relationship between aPL and IVF outcome. A total of 101 infertile women with at least three unsuccessful IVF attempts were consecutively included in this study. Samples were collected in the follicular phase of a spontaneous ovarian cycle 2 months after the last ovulation induction treatment. Age-matched healthy fertile women (n = 160) were included as controls. All were evaluated for the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA), antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) to cardiolipin (aCL), beta2-glycoprotein I (abeta2GPI), and phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE). Out of the 101 infertile women, 40 were persistently positive for aPL, showing a prevalence significantly higher than in controls (39.6% versus 5%, P < 0.0001). Among aPL, aPE were found with a significantly higher prevalence compared with LA, aCL, and aP2GPI (67.5% versus 0%, 15%, and 40%, respectively). Interestingly, aPE were found in 70% of the cases in the absence of the other aPL. The predominant isotype of aPL was IgA, in particular for abeta2GPI. Finally, no significant association was found between the presence of aPL and IVF outcome. This prospective study shows aPE as the most prevalent aPL in infertile women and IgA as more common than IgG and IgM. However, our results do not support an association between aPL and IVF outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sanmarco
- Fédération Autoimmunité et Thrombose, Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France.
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10
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Matsubayashi H, Sugi T, Arai T, Shida M, Kondo A, Suzuki T, Izumi SI, McIntyre JA. IgG-antiphospholipid antibodies in follicular fluid of IVF-ET patients are related to low fertilization rate of their oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 55:341-8. [PMID: 16635208 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failures show an increased incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in their blood. The physiological manifestations of aPL in this patient group are nonetheless controversial. Pathological effects of aPL on embryos in vitro have been documented. We questioned whether aPL if found in follicular fluids (FFs) could result in embryonic damage. METHOD OF STUDY Blood from 44 patients with three or more IVF-ET failures were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM and IgA aPL. Both the 29 aPL-positive and 15 aPL-negative patients gave permission for FF collection during their next IVF-ET attempt for additional aPL determinations. RESULTS Patients with no aPL in their blood, had no aPL in their FFs. Patients with IgG and/or IgM aPL in their blood had IgG but not IgM in their respective FFs. CONCLUSIONS The presence of IgG aPL in FFs and increased infertility length were significantly related to lower fertilization rates, independently. Follicular fluid IgG aPL appears as a risk factor in association with successful IVF-ET outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiko Matsubayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
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de Maistre E. [So-called antiphospholipid antibodies and infertility: biological data]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE & FERTILITE 2003; 31:794-6. [PMID: 14499731 DOI: 10.1016/s1297-9589(03)00207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent early and late foetal losses are common problems found in women with antiphospholipid syndrome, with therapeutic implication and improvement of the prognosis for the next pregnancies with antithrombotic therapy. After these results, some groups propose to extend the antiphospholipid investigations to infertility and failure of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, but actually without demonstration of a real utility in the management of these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- E de Maistre
- Service d'hématologie biologique, CHU de Nancy BP 34, 54035 Nancy cedex, France.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Much attention has been paid to the role of immunology in reproductive success or failure. Every step in the establishment of normal pregnancy has been implicated as a possible site of immune-mediated reproductive failure. The widespread testing of antiphospholipid, antinuclear, antithyroid, and antisperm antibodies, as well as generalized immune testing, have thus been employed to diagnose patients with otherwise unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Controversial data surrounding the widespread and variable use of immune testing in current fertility practice is reviewed to determine which tests are warranted based on sound scientific evidence. Because it is postulated that early miscarriage, when occult, could represent a failure of embryo implantation indistinguishable from unexplained infertility, this analysis of immune testing includes a discussion of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. RECENT FINDINGS Despite the increased prevalence of abnormal immune testing associated with early reproductive failure, the most rigorous studies have not proven a cause and effect between these phenomena. There is wide variation and inconsistency regarding this association, depending upon which test(s) are employed, the study methodology used, and the patient population under study. The significance of selected immunological test abnormalities associated with early reproductive failure is uncertain. SUMMARY Great variability exists in identifying candidates for immune testing, determining which tests to order, interpreting the test results, and offering immunologic treatments. This review argues that the use of widespread immune testing in clinical practice can not be supported by existing data. The resulting therapies are similarly of unconfirmed benefit and may cause harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb B Kallen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn B Coulam
- Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Millenova Immunology Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Gleicher N, Vidali A, Karande V. The immunological "Wars of the Roses": disagreements amongst reproductive immunologists. Hum Reprod 2002; 17:539-42. [PMID: 11870099 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.3.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of abnormal autoimmune function to reproductive function in the female has over recent years become an increasingly controversial and contentious issue. Opposing views have led to a polarization of opinions which, at times, resulted in publications of rather vocal opinions by individuals as well as societal committees. This communication is an attempt to reconcile these, at times diametrically opposing opinions, in a concept of (auto)immune-driven reproduction failure, which could explain and unify these opposing opinions and, thus, hopefully end the ongoing "immunological wars of the roses".
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), 60 East Delaware, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are an established cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. As defective embryonic implantation is a common link between unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage, interest has focused on the potential relationship between aPL and implantation failure after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This review critically examines the published data to determine whether women undergoing IVF-ET should be routinely screened for aPL. Although most studies have reported an increased prevalence of aPL among women undergoing IVF-ET, prospective studies examining the effect of aPL on the outcome of IVF-ET demonstrate that these antibodies do not significantly affect either the implantation or ongoing pregnancy rates. The increased prevalence of aPL among women with infertility is therefore likely to be part of a generalized autoimmune disturbance associated with infertility. Hence routine screening for aPL among women undergoing IVF-ET is not warranted and therapeutic interventions should be used only in well designed randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Backos
- Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, UK
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Ghazeeri GS, Kutteh WH. Immunological testing and treatment in reproduction: frequency assessment of practice patterns at assisted reproduction clinics in the USA and Australia. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:2130-5. [PMID: 11574504 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.10.2130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The roles that alloimmunity and autoimmunity may play in reproductive failure, including recurrent pregnancy loss and failed IVF, have not been clearly established. To help define practice patterns, we investigated what tests clinicians in the USA and Australia were offering, to which patients (diagnostic groups) the tests were recommended, and in what situations immunological/anticoagulation treatment was advised. METHODS A five section survey was completed by senior physicians attending the annual national fertility society meetings in the USA and Australia. Results were tabulated and analysed. RESULTS Antiphospholipid antibody testing was offered to patients with recurrent pregnancy loss by almost all physicians surveyed. Patients with previous failure of IVF were tested much less often. Other immune tests (embryotoxic assay, natural killer cells and leukocyte antibodies) were ordered by none of the Australian participants and approximately 25% of the American participants. The use of immunotherapy and anticoagulation therapy for patients who tested positive for various immunological tests was also evaluated for frequency of use and reported secondary complications. CONCLUSIONS Large, well-structured studies examining the benefits of immunological evaluation and treatment are necessary before definite recommendations can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Ghazeeri
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Memphis, TN 38163-2116, USA
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