Desensitization to urine-derived gonadotropins in a woman with secondary infertility

Urine-derived gonadotropins have been used to treat infertility but may cause allergic reactions. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions can be treated with desensitization, especially when new therapies such as recombinant human gonadotropins are unavailable.

This case is described to highlight a successful intervention with desensitization in a woman with a complicated history of secondary infertility. She had been treated with ovulation-induction regimens, such as IVF-M (in vitro fertilization-human menopausal gonadotropin [hMG]) and IVF-C (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]), for intrauterine insemination. During treatment, however, she experienced reactions to IVF-M and IVF-C. Because she strongly wanted a baby and no alternative preparation was available, desensitization was attempted.

Intradermal tests with IVF-M and IVF-C using both negative and positive controls were performed on the patient and four normal control subjects. Immediate wheal-and-flare reactions occurred only in the patient. ELISA and ELISA inhibition tests showed positive responses to IVF-M and IVF-C, but not to highly purified hMG, hCG, or D-mannitol, a preservative in IVF-M and IVF-C. Desensitization to IVF-M and IVF-C was done with a protocol used for parenteral desensitization to penicillin.

During the IVF-M desensitization, the intramuscular injections were well tolerated. For the next 2 days, daily administration of IVF-M was uneventful. Thirty-six hours later, desensitization to IVF-C was performed successfully. The patient had two intrauterine inseminations and became pregnant.

Nongonadotropin proteins in urine-derived gonadotropins cause IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Acute desensitization to urine-derived gonadotropins can be performed effectively, as shown in our current case.