Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for treating infertility associated with sperm autoimmunity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used to achieve normal fertilization, embryo cleavage, and pregnancies in cases of sperm autoimmunity.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of ICSI results in sperm antibody-positive and randomly selected antibody-negative groups.


METHODS
University- and hospital-based reproductive research laboratory and tertiary referral IVF program.


METHODS
Thirty-nine couples selected on the basis of a strongly positive result for sperm antibodies of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and/or IgA immunoglobulin class in the male partner and a control group of 140 antibody-negative couples.


METHODS
Human menopausal gonadotropin, hCG and Lucrin (Abbott Australasia, Kurnell, NSW, Australia) were given by injection. Oocyte collection was by transvaginal ovarian puncture. Blood was collected for beta-hCG measurement.


METHODS
Normal fertilization, embryo cleavage, establishment of clinical pregnancy, and delivery.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in fertilization rates (62% versus 58%) or clinical pregnancy rates (19% versus 12%) between sperm antibody-positive and sperm antibody-negative patient groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an effective treatment for patients with severe sperm autoimmunity.
Clarke
G N
GN
Department of Pathology, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Bourne
H
H
Baker
H W
HW
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005318:Fetal Heart; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G