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[So-called antiphospholipid antibodies and infertility: biological data]
1Service d'hématologie biologique, CHU de Nancy BP 34, 54035 Nancy cedex, France. e.demaistre@chu-nancy.fr
Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome causes recurrent pregnancy loss, often improved with antithrombotic therapy. Investigating antiphospholipid antibodies for infertility and IVF failure lacks proven clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Thrombophilia research
Context:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is linked to recurrent fetal losses.
- Antithrombotic therapy improves pregnancy outcomes in APS patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility of antiphospholipid investigations in infertility and IVF failure.
- To determine if antiphospholipid antibody testing benefits women with unexplained infertility.
Summary:
- Recurrent fetal losses in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) suggest a role for antithrombotic therapy.
- Extending antiphospholipid testing to infertility and IVF failure is proposed but lacks demonstrated clinical benefit.
- Current evidence does not support routine antiphospholipid antibody screening for these conditions.
Impact:
- Clarifies the limited role of antiphospholipid antibody testing beyond established indications like recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Guides clinical practice by highlighting the lack of evidence for using antiphospholipid investigations in infertility and IVF failure.
- Prevents unnecessary testing and potential over-treatment in women experiencing infertility or IVF failure.