The Effect of Heparin in Treatment IVF-ET Failure

Embryo transfer failure is defined as ≥3 IVF-embryo transfer failures without pregnancy . In spite of transfer of 3 good quality embryos , just 20-30% of women undergoing IVF will achieve ongoing pregnancy . There are multiple factors that influence IVF-failure.

Autoantibodies may be one of the possible causes of IVF-failure , especially in unexplained and mechanical infertility .

In some studies , antiphospholipid antibody is considered as causative factor on implantation and embryo failure. However some investigators showed that combination therapy with heparin/aspirin in women with positive antiphospholipid antibody is not effective in improving of IVF-outcome . In prospective studies were not confirmed association between antiphospholipid antibody abnormalities and IVF-failure.

Recently has been relationship between thrombophilia and IVF and implantation failure.

The effect of unfractionated heparin in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is prevention of thrombosis in implantation site . Although its effect is not restricted to anticoagulation and also can modulate apposition , adhesion , and penetration of embryo . Other advantages are decreasing thrombophilic risk in COH ( controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) cycles with administration of gonadotrophins . So heparin make better pregnancy rate in repeated IVF-ET failures.

There are few studies in regard to heparin effects on IVF cycles outcome . The purpose of this study is evaluation of unfractionated heparin effects on improvement of ART outcome .

This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess whether administration of heparin would increased pregnancy rates in women with repeated ET-IVF failures.