SERUM SICKNESS DUE TO BOVINE SERUM-ALBUMIN SENSITIZATION DURING IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION

Of 32 women included in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in ou r hospital in 1987, in whom a medium containing bovine serum albumin ( BSA) (Menezo's medium) was employed for rinsing follicles, 5 (15%) dev eloped a symptom complex compatible with serum sickness within 8-12 da ys after oocyte retrieval by echographic puncture. All the patients ha d specific IgG antibodies against BSA, and intradermal skin testing wi th BSA and Menezo's medium were positive. We could not demonstrate the presence of specific IgE against BSA in serum by RAST, probably due t o the presence of high levels of specific IgG antibodies, which can in terfere in the RAST procedure. Statistical analysis showed that the vo lume of Menezo's medium was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in patien ts developing the disease. The risk of disease development is directly related to the amount of heterologous protein administrated.