ART outcome in HIV-infected patients

To assess assisted reproductive technique (ART) outcome in couples affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF and ICSI were performed in 85 couples affected by HIV between January 2000 and June 2005.

In 33 of the 85 couples, women were HIV positive-the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and cancellation rate (CR) after 34 IUI cycles were, respectively, 25 and 18%. The CPR after 26 IVF and 30 ICSI cycles were, respectively, 37.5 and 18.8% with CRs of 38.5 and 46.7%, respectively. In 38 couples, men were infected-the CPR and CR after 85 IUI cycles were, respectively, 14.7 and 20%; 62 ICSI cycles were performed leading to CPR of 23.4% with a CR of 25%. In 14 couples, the two partners were infected: none of the four IUI cycles carried out was successful (CR, 20%); the CPR and CR after 35 ICSI cycles were, respectively, 12.5% with 31%. All children born had a negative HIV test.

In couples affected by HIV, an acceptable pregnancy rate was obtained. The worst results were obtained when both partners were infected. The CR was elevated among HIV-infected couples.