Intravenous immunoglobulin preceding in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer for patients with repeated failure of embryo transfer

Abstract

To determine the effectiveness of immunotherapy with high-dose IV immunoglobulin preceding IVF-ET for patients with repeated failure of ET. Prospective, observational. Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Clínic i Provincial in Barcelona, a tertiary care setting. Twelve consecutive tubal infertility patients experiencing repeated unexplained IVF-ET failure including at least three ETs replacing three to four fresh embryos each. Two women shared three or more human leukocyte antigens (HLA) with the husband. During the subsequent new IVF-ET cycle, each patient received 400 mg/kg IV immunoglobulin daily for 5 days during ovarian stimulation, that is, 5 to 7 days before ET. Clinical pregnancies. No implantation occurred. There were no side effects. High-dose IV immunoglobulin is not a useful tool for IVF-ET failure.