RETRACTED ARTICLE: Subfertility treatment in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

This study comprised of 65 infertile patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim was to study causes and different modalities used for the management of subfertile patients with SLE. All patients were diagnosed to have SLE according to the standard criteria of diagnosis. All patients were scheduled to expectant treatment, ovulation induction and timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Anovulation was in 20 patients (20%), due to PCOS in 10 cases and due to other causes in three patients. A total of 28 patients (43.1%) needed laparoscopy for their work-up of infertility. Male factor for infertility was present in nine couples (16.7%). Ovulation induction and timed intercourse was adopted for a maximum 6 cycles and IUI for 3 cycles. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)/ICSI was needed in five cases using standard long agonist protocol. Four cases were complicated by significant ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after conventional ovarian stimulation and cycles were cancelled. Pregnancy occurred in 20 women. Ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and IVF seems to be safe and successful in well selected women with non-complicated SLE.

An observational multicentre study on the efficacy and safety of assisted reproductive technologies in women with rheumatic diseases

“…This finding is even more reassuring considering that ∼40% of the procedures have been performed in aPL-positive women. We registered 3 (3.1%) cases of OHSS; this incidence is in line with that reported in the general population (3–8% of cycles, with peaks of 20% in high-risk categories [34]) and with data published in SLE and APS patients (0–6.2% [23–27] vs 2% in this subpopulation in our cohort). Disease flares were registered in 12.5% of pregnancies, with a higher frequency (albeit not significant) in women with CTDs and vasculitis than in those with arthritis, as reported for natural pregnancies [35].…”

“…Given the paucity of the literature on this topic [23–31], the aim of the present study was to investigate a cohort of patients with different RDs undergoing ARTs, in an attempt to answer these questions.…”

EULAR recommendations for women's health and the management of family planning, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and menopause in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome

“…[80][81][82][83] Efficacy in terms of pregnancy rate is comparable with that in the general population (up to 30%). ARTs are generally safe if the patient has quiescent disease and is on appropriate antithrombotic treatment if aPL positive.…”

A comprehensive review of the clinical approach to pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus

“…The risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is also comparable to that observed in the general population (3e8%), with an incidence ranging from 0% to 8.9% [164,165,168].…”

“…Regarding efficacy, with a rate of success varying from 15.8 [165] to 30.7% [164], ARTs seem to perform well in SLE and APS patients.…”