Platelet-activating factor significantly enhances intrauterine insemination pregnancy rates in non-male factor infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of treating semen specimens with platelet-activating factor (PAF) before IUI.


METHODS
Prospective randomized double-blinded study of PAF treatment of sperm for patients with a history of infertility undergoing IUI.


METHODS
Private infertility center.


METHODS
Patients had ovulation induction therapy with clomiphene citrate (CC) or gonadotropin, two IUIs per month with PAF treatment.


METHODS
Clinical pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in IUI pregnancy rates per cycle between control (10/56; 17.9%) and PAF (14/47; 29.8%) treatment groups in the normal male study arm. There was a significant difference in cumulative IUI pregnancy rates between control (10/35; 28.6%) and PAF (14/26; 53.9%) patient groups in the normal male study arm. There was no significant difference in IUI pregnancy rates per cycle between control (12/124; 9.7%) and PAF (14/119; 11.8%) treatment groups in the male factor study arm. There was no significant difference in cumulative IUI pregnancy rates between control (12/46; 26.1%) and PAF (14/38; 36.8%) patient groups in the male factor study arm. There was a significant difference in overall cumulative IUI pregnancy rates between control (21/81; 25.9%) and PAF (27/64; 42.2%) patient groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The inclusion of PAF into the IUI sperm wash procedure significantly improves pregnancy rates. However, the significant improvement can only be shown to affect men presenting with normal semen parameters.
Roudebush
William E
WE
Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA. roudebush@rba-online.com
Toledo
Andrew A
AA
Kort
Hilton I
HI
Mitchell-Leef
Dorothy
D
Elsner
Carlene W
CW
Massey
Joe B
JB
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D007317:Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; D008297:Male; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010972:Platelet Activating Factor