Anti-TPO-Ab:Another Possible Etiology in Unexplained Infertility

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is characterized by the presence of antithyroid antibodies, specifically antibodies to thyroperoxidase. These antibodies have been reported in 5%-10% of reproductive-aged women, making AITD the most common autoimmune disorder affecting this population. AITD can present without thyroid dysfunction and, thus, remains undiagnosed. Immunological factors appear to play an important role in the reproductive processes of fertilization, implantation, and feto-placental development. The presence of auto-antibodies has been associated with reproductive failure, particularly thyroid antibodies. About 5 to 15% of euthyroid women have thyroid antibodies, and such individuals are at risk of developing thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction is a condition known to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy and to adversely affect pregnancy outcome by interfering with normal ovarian function and is more frequent in women with positive anti-TPO Ab.