The effect of levothyroxine and prednisolone treatment on pregnancy in in vitro fertilization patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies

Abstract

AimTo investigate the effects of levothyroxine and prednisolone treatment, or in combination, on positive thyroid autoantibodies in infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy.MethodsThis retrospective study included a total of 190 patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies (anti‐T and anti‐TPO) who underwent IVF treatment between January 2008 and March 2016. Patients were divided into four groups: group 1—levothyroxine group (n = 50), group 2–prednisolone group (n = 50), group 3–levothyroxine and prednisolone combination (n = 25), group 4—control group (n = 65). Anti‐T and anti‐TPO levels before IVF and at the time of embryo transfer (ET), b‐hcg positivity, clinical and biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate were compared among groups.ResultsIn levothyroxine‐treated group, mean anti‐TPO levels significantly decreased at the time of ET compared to before IVF treatment levels (p = 0.036). In group 3, mean anti‐T and anti‐TPO levels significantly decreased at the time of ET compared to levels before IVF treatment (p < 0.05). Patients who became pregnant in group 1, mean anti‐T anti‐TPO levels significantly decreased compared to before IVF treatment levels (p < 0.05). The biochemical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group 2 (p = 0.03). Abortion rates were the highest in group 3, but no significant difference was found among groups. The group treated with levothyroxine had a significantly increased rate of live birth compared to the control group (p = 0.02).ConclusionsLevothyroxine addition during IVF treatment of patients with positive thyroid antibodies in subclinical hypothyroidism increases the take‐home baby pregnancy rate. Whether subclinical hypothyroidism or not in IVF treatment, levothyroxine is more effective than low‐dose corticosteroids.