Serum sickness due to bovine serum albumin sensitization during in vitro fertilization

Of 32 women included in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in our hospital in 1987, in whom a medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Menezo's medium) was employed for rinsing follicles, 5 (15%) developed a symptom complex compatible with serum sickness within 8-12 days after oocyte retrieval by echographic puncture. All the patients had specific IgG antibodies against BSA, and intradermal skin testing with BSA and Menezo's medium were positive. We could not demonstrate the presence of specific IgE against BSA in serum by RAST, probably due to the presence of high levels of specific IgG antibodies, which can interfere in the RAST procedure. Statistical analysis showed that the volume of Menezo's medium was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in patients developing the disease. The risk of disease development is directly related to the amount of heterologous protein administrated.