Immunology and implantation failure Immunologie et absence d ’ implantation
The role of autoimmunity and thrombophilia in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the most controversial issues in assisted reproduction and empiric approach seems to be useless.
Abstract
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, MadridAvda del Talgo 68-70, 28023 Madrid, Spain <juan.garcia.velasco@ivi.es> Abstract. The role of autoimmunity and thrombophilia in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the most controversial issues in assisted reproduction. Implantation is a delicate equilibrium between embryo quality, endometrial receptivity, and the efficiency of the embryo transfer technique. Although results of egg donation treatments suggest that the embryo is the most important factor in this equilibrium, there might be other factors that can contribute to implantation failure, such as the endometrium, the efficiency of the embryo transfer or maternal tolerance to pregnancy. However, we do not know which group of patients may benefit from immune therapy for RIF, and empiric approach seems to be useless. This is in line with recent guidelines by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In order to determine which women might