High prevalence of allergy in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Abstract

Purpose To determine the prevalence of allergy in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the relationship between having allergy and IVF treatment outcomes. Design A retrospective cohort study of female infertility patients aged 20-49 years and their male partners undergoing IVF cycles from August 2010 to December 2016 in an academic fertility program. Results Prevalence data was collected for 493 couples (935 cycles). Over half of the female patients (54%) had at least one reported allergy versus the cited US prevalence of 10-30%. Antibiotic (54.7%) and non-antibiotic medication (39.2%) were the most common female allergy subtypes. Fewer male patients reported allergy (21.7%). Data on β-hCG outcomes were calculated for 841 cycles from 458 couples with no significant relationship found except for number of cycles including ICSI and number of embryos transferred per cycle (1.81 for those without allergy vs 2.07 for those with allergy, p = 0.07). Female patients with allergy were marginally statistically more likely to have a negative β-hCG (p = 0.07) and less likely to have a successful cycle (p = 0.06). When allergy subgroups were evaluated, there were no significant differences between groups except for a higher number of embryos transferred in women with environmental/other allergies (p = 0.02). ConclusionThe prevalence of allergy among patients seeking infertility treatment is high compared with the general population. However, allergy was not found to be associated with IVF cycle outcomes. These findings are likely primarily limited by difficulty in defining specific allergy types within a retrospective study.

The influence of maternal respiratory allergy on obstetrics and perinatal outcomes: A nested case–control study

“…However, one study reported similar results in both groups. 6 Regarding fertility and parity, no differences were found, which was in line with published data. 2,11,17 Although others have reported controversial results.…”

“…Multiple gestation was the main cause in patients with respiratory allergies, highlighting the possible relation between allergy and fertility, as previously mentioned. 2,6 For instance many of these patients were older, needed IVF, and waited to have their comorbidities under control. Other indications showed similar results to the general population.…”

“…7,9 In pregnant women, predominance of Th1 reactivity has been related to infections during pregnancy and a dysregulation of T helper cell immunity to obstetrical complications, such as pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and recurrent pregnancy losses. 1,6,7,10 Atopic diseases deviate the immunologic system to a type 2 immunologic profile. 3 In addition, the immunologic response during pregnancy is to also deviate to a Th2 cytokine profile for successful maternal tolerance of the foreign fetal antigens.…”

Abnormal sperm morphology is associated with sensitization to inhaled allergens

“…However, allergy was not found to be associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcomes. 26 …”

The potential impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health

“…The prevalence of allergy among patients seeking infertility treatment is high compared with the general population [ 76 ]. Air-bone allergens can cause chronic airway inflammation, constriction and asthma.…”