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

Lee, Sook Hwan; Youn, Nae Young; Yoon, Tae Ki; Kwak, In Pyung; Lee, Eun Jung; Choi, Dong Hee; Han, Se Yul

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2000;43(1):22-25.
Published online January 1, 2001.

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

Sook Hwan Lee, Nae Young Youn, Tae Ki Yoon, In Pyung Kwak, Eun Jung Lee, Dong Hee Choi, Se Yul Han

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The implantation failure after embryo-transfer (ET) is a major continuing problem in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of individuals experiencing repeated unexplained in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure. METHODS: A total of nine consecutive infertile patients who failed to become pregnant after previous IVF-ET replacing at least three or more normal developed embryos each were included in our study. During the subsequent new IVF-ET cycle, each women received intravenous immunoglobulin 500mg/kg before the embryo transfer. RESULTS: Only one implantation occurred. There were no remarkable side effects. A specific effect of intravenous immunoglobulin for patients with repeated IVF-ET failure could not be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin may not be useful for patients with repeated failure of embryo transfer.

Key Words: Intravenous immunoglobulin, IVF-ET failure