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May mepolizumab used in asthma correct subfertility?
Guzin Ozden1, Pelin Pınar Deniz2
1Department of Internal Medicine and Allergy, Immunology, Adana City Education and Research Hospital, Turkey, Adana.
Annals of Medicine
|March 19, 2021
Summary
Severe eosinophilic asthma in women can cause infertility. Mepolizumab treatment, targeting IL-5, successfully resolved infertility in two cases, leading to pregnancy. Further research is needed on mepolizumab use during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic airway disease in women of reproductive age.
- Chronic inflammation, eosinophilia, and high-dose steroid use in severe asthma can negatively impact fertility.
- Uncontrolled asthma and its treatments may affect reproductive organs, menstrual cycles, and overall quality of life.
Observation:
- Two cases of women with severe eosinophilic asthma and unexplained infertility are presented.
- Both patients had a history of asthma and rhinitis, with one experiencing infertility for three years.
- Treatment with mepolizumab (anti-IL-5) was initiated for their severe asthma.
Findings:
- Both women conceived following mepolizumab treatment for their eosinophilic asthma.
- One patient became pregnant after receiving the second dose of mepolizumab.
- Mepolizumab appears to have a positive effect on fertility in women with severe eosinophilic asthma.
Implications:
- Mepolizumab treatment may be a viable option for addressing unexplained infertility in women with severe eosinophilic asthma.
- Further investigation is required to understand the safety and efficacy of mepolizumab during pregnancy.
- These findings highlight a potential link between severe asthma management and reproductive health outcomes.
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