ANTISPERM ANTIBODIES - ETIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

Objective: To critically review the English-language literature and de scribe the current diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of a ntisperm antibodies (ASA). Design: A comprehensive literature search o f the English-language literature published between 1966 and December 1997 was performed on MEDLINE. Articles were also located via bibliogr aphies of published works. Result(s): Data were excerpted from article s identified by MEDLINE search. The diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, a nd treatment of ASA are described. Conclusion(s): There is sufficient evidence that ASA impair fertility in couples with unexplained inferti lity. A number of different methodologies are available, which may be used in their detection. However, in many cases, test interpretation i s subjective. Although there is not enough evidence to support systemi c treatment for ASA, application of a variety of assisted reproductive technologies improves outcome. (Fertil Steril(R) 1998;70:799-810. (C) 1998 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).