In vitro fertilization and autoimmunity: Evidence from an observational study
R Di Rosa1, S Ferrero2, N Cifani1
1"Sapienza", Università di Roma, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Ospedale Sant'Andrea, Via Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Roma, Italy.
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|January 29, 2019
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) were found in 8.27% of infertile women undergoing IVF. Evaluating aPLs in these patients can identify those at higher risk for pregnancy complications and miscarriage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Infertility Research
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Infertility affects a significant number of women, and the role of autoimmunity is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- To identify potential links between aPLs and underlying systemic autoimmune conditions in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 520 infertile women undergoing IVF between January 2012 and December 2017.
- Selection of 100 patient records with positive autoantibodies for detailed evaluation.
Main Results:
- 19.23% of women had positive autoantibodies; 6.73% met criteria for a systemic disease.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) were detected in 8.27% of women (43/520).
- Lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were the most common aPLs.
Conclusions:
- Infertile women may represent a subgroup of patients with undiagnosed systemic autoimmune syndromes.
- Routine evaluation of aPLs in women undergoing IVF is recommended to identify those at increased risk of miscarriage or pregnancy morbidity.
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