Paternal thrombophilia and recurrent implantation failure: an exploratory case-control study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Hematology
• Genetics

Background:

• Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a complex issue in assisted reproduction.
• While maternal thrombophilia is studied, paternal factors like thrombophilia are less explored.
• Paternal thrombophilia may contribute to RIF, impacting treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between paternal thrombophilia and recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
• To compare thrombophilia markers in male partners of RIF patients versus controls.

Main Methods:

• Case-control study involving 42 male partners of RIF patients and 42 controls.
• Analysis of thrombophilia markers including Factor V activity, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III (ATIII), and MTHFR mutations.
• Statistical analysis to determine the significance and odds ratios (OR) of thrombophilia prevalence.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher prevalence of Factor V activity (42.9% vs 16.7%) and ATIII deficiency (19% vs 2.4%) in RIF group.
• Protein C and S deficiencies were present in RIF patients but not controls.
• Combined thrombophilia was significantly higher in the RIF group (45.2% vs 14.2%), with an OR of 4.95.

Conclusions:

• Paternal thrombophilia is a potential risk factor for recurrent implantation failure.
• Evaluating paternal thrombophilia can help identify at-risk couples.
• This assessment may guide management strategies to improve implantation success.