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Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction
Published on: March 25, 2021
Antiphospholipid antibodies in relation to sterility/infertility
Mónika Kovács1, Marianna Hartwig, Magdolna Aleksza
1Department of Internal Medicine, Zala County Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. monika.kovacs.dr@freemail.hu
Human Immunology
|May 3, 2012
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a significant autoimmune disease impacting female fertility. Early detection and treatment of APS in infertile women can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease linked to infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Pregnancy complications associated with APS include abortion, preeclampsia, and stillbirth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in women with unexplained sterility/infertility.
- To assess the diagnostic value of antiphospholipid antibody testing in infertile patients.
- To evaluate the impact of APS treatment on pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 female patients with sterility/infertility.
- Immune-serologic testing including anti-cardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GP1), and other antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Clinical assessment for primary and secondary APS diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Anti-cardiolipin (aCL) positivity was found in 27% of patients, with primary APS diagnosed in 4 cases.
- Unusual antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in aCL-negative patients, with primary APS diagnosed in 2 cases.
- Treatment with aspirin, low molecular weight heparin, and prednisolone resulted in a 72% live birth rate in a cohort of 32 pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Screening for antiphospholipid syndrome is crucial in infertile women.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of APS can significantly improve fertility and pregnancy success.
- Identifying latent autoimmune diseases like APS offers a pathway to successful management of infertility.
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