Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Euthyroid Women with Antibodies to the Thyroid Gland. A Literature Review

The presence of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin of the thyroid gland in women with infertility is more common than in the population. Some studies describe the negative effect of autoantibodies on reproductive function and the results of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs even in the absence of impaired thyroid function. This article presents a review of literature data on the possible mechanisms of this negative influence. To date, there are no data on a significant decrease in the quality of oocytes, embryos and pregnancy rates in ART cycles in such patients. The negative effect of autoantibodies on the frequency of live births can be realized through such complications of pregnancy as miscarriage and premature birth. Currently, the possibilities for preventing these complications are poorly understood. According to recent meta-analyses, the use of levothyroxine in euthyroid patients with autoantibodies who are treated for infertility using ART methods does not result in a decrease in the frequency of miscarriage and premature birth.