title: A case of polymyositis and vasculitis induced by ovulation induction therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
abstract: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the first key hormone of reproduction. GnRH analogs are extensively used in in vitro fertilization and treatment of sex hormone-dependent cancers due to their ability to bring about 'chemical castration'. Recently it has been showed that it also plays an important role in the modulation of the immune system. We report a case of vasculitis and histologically proven severe polymyositis developed 5 days after GnRH administration due to ovulation induction in an infertile patient with no previous history of autoimmune diseases. After treatment with corticosteroids (prednisone, 30 mg daily), aspirin, and pentoxyphyllin in combination with rehabilitation, an amelioration of muscle impairment was observed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, P.J. Safárik University Kosice, Trieda SNP 1, 04011, Kosice, Slovakia. ivica.lazurova@upjs.sk
authors.forename: Ivica
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lazúrová
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Angelovicová
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Petríková
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Calfová
authors.forename: Mária
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oetterová
authors.forename: Marián
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Svajdler
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000209:etiology*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone