Elevated serum interleukin-1β levels and interleukin-1β-to-interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ratio 1 week after embryo transfer are associated with ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) serum levels in the early luteal phase differ in IVF cycles that result in an ectopic pregnancy (EP) when compared with other outcomes.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
A total of 307 women whose serum samples were available, with the following IVF outcomes: 103 live births, 80 negative pregnancy tests, 52 biochemical pregnancies, 47 EPs, and 25 miscarriages.


METHODS
Serum samples were obtained on cycle days 24 and 28 (cycle day 14 = day of egg retrieval). Levels of IL-1β and IL-1RA were determined by quantitative ELISA performed by blinded personnel.


METHODS
IL-1β and IL-1RA levels, IL-1β-to-IL-1RA ratio versus cycle outcome.


RESULTS
The IL-1β levels were predictive of an EP. At cycle days 24 and 28 the mean IL-1β levels were higher in patients with an EP (127.1 pg/mL and 166.9 pg/mL, respectively) than in women with any other IVF outcome (15.8-55.3 pg/mL and 14.8-75.5 pg/mL, respectively). At cycle day 24 the IL-1β-to-IL-1RA ratio was 0.18 in the ectopic group versus 0.01-0.09 in the other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated IL-1β levels and IL-1β-to-IL-1RA ratio as early as 4 days before the first pregnancy test are associated with an EP. If confirmed by prospective studies, clinical application of these findings could potentially improve EP detection.
The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York. Electronic address: jol9105@med.cornell.edu.
Jovana
J
Lekovich
Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Steven S
SS
Witkin
Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Georgios
G
Doulaveris
Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Theofano
T
Orfanelli
The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Brittney
B
Shulman
The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Nigel
N
Pereira
The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Zev
Z
Rosenwaks
The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
Steven D
SD
Spandorfer
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000097:blood*; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000097:blood*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D015854:Up-Regulation
D015415:Biomarkers; C508585:IL1B protein, human; C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D053583:Interleukin-1beta
IVF; Interleukin 1β; ectopic pregnancy; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist