Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) use in recurrent implantation failure: Is it time for another randomized controlled trial?

Abstract

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) affects up to 5 % of patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) yet remains unexplained in over 50 % of cases. Perturbation of the permissive immune environment required for implantation is thought to explain a proportion of RIF cases but remains a diagnosis of exclusion due to the lack of validated testing to confirm the condition. Patients are often empirically treated with immunomodulatory medications, with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) being prominently featured. While some suggest potential benefit, available studies are heterogenous, often underpowered and do not consider recent definitions of RIF; IVIg remains a heavily debated IVF adjunct. With the recent COVID pandemic-induced global blood product shortage, IVIg prescribing practices for RIF must be reviewed. A well designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) is needed to determine if IVIg should be featured in our armamentarium. However, prior to its design, data amassed over the last 3 decades must be incorporated to ensure it yields robust and clinically meaningful data. This narrative review synthesizes our current state of knowledge on the topic, discussing proposed mechanisms of immune-mediated RIF, potential mechanisms of action of IVIg as well as patient populations most likely to benefit from immune-modulation. Lastly, with use and prices of IVIg rising globally, we discuss our collective responsibility towards ensuring IVIg stewardship while proposing timely and cost-effective interventions for our patients.