Ovulation induction and early pregnancy loss in a woman susceptible to autoimmune diseases: a possible interrelationship

Bilateral anterior uveitis associated with clomiphene citrate

PURPOSE

To report a case of bilateral anterior uveitis associated with ovulation induction therapy using clomiphene citrate.

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

METHODS

A single patient who developed uveitis while taking clomiphene citrate is described.

RESULTS

A 30-year-old woman with polycystic ovary syndrome developed bilateral anterior uveitis during ovulation induction therapy. Results of laboratory studies were normal and the patient was treated with topical therapy. Upon rechallenge with clomiphene 3 months later, she again developed bilateral anterior uveitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovulation induction therapy with clomiphene citrate may precipitate uveitis.

[Hormone therapy, fertility and pregnancy in antiphospholipid syndrome]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carries a risk of thrombosis and infertility. Consequently the use of any type of hormone therapy and pregnancy in APS requires special considerations. The present article provides a broad review of all these issues. The use of contraception, hormone replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators in APS are described. In vitro fertilization/embryo transfer and ovarian induction in these patients are reviewed. Lastly, the possible fetal and maternal complications that can occur during pregnancy are described and, based on the literature, recommendations for the management of pregnancy in women with APS are provided.