Intravenous immunoglobulin preceding in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer for patients with repeated failure of embryo transfer

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of immunotherapy with high-dose IV immunoglobulin preceding IVF-ET for patients with repeated failure of ET. Design: Prospective, observational. Setting: Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Clinic i Provincial in Barcelona, a tertiary care setting. Patients: Twelve consecutive tubal infertility patients experiencing repeated unexplained IVF-ET failure including at least three ETs replacing three to four fresh embryos each. Two women shared three or more human leukocyte antigens (HLA) with the husband. Intervention: During the subsequent new IVF-ET cycle, each patient received 400 mg/kg IV immunoglobulin daily for 5 days during ovarian stimulation, that is, 5 to 7 days before ET. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical pregnancies. Results: No implantation occurred. There were no side effects. Conclusions: High-dose IV immunoglobulin is not a useful tool for IVF-ET failure.