IVF Patients Face Elevated Tuberculosis Risk, Study Finds
A new review indicates women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) might potentially be at increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), including severe forms that can impact multiple organs and even newborns. The research, a joint effort by King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Lucknow and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh, highlights the need for proactive screening and monitoring.
Published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the analysis of 73 IVF pregnancies and seven cohort studies revealed that TB often emerges early in pregnancy – between 11 and 19 weeks – even in individuals with no prior symptoms or known history of the disease. This finding is particularly concerning given the potential for serious complications.
Researchers suggest that the hormonal changes associated with IVF may suppress immunity, allowing latent TB to become active. “The review indicates that hormonal changes linked to IVF may reduce immunity and allow latent TB to become active,” stated Prof Ravindra Kumar Garg, former research cell head of KGMU.
The study found that 27% of affected women developed severe forms of TB, such as genital and central nervous system TB.While approximately 80% of these women received anti-TB treatment, a small percentage exhibited drug-resistant infections. Notably, 63% of women undergoing IVF did not develop TB during the study period.
however, the consequences for those who did contract TB were significant. Among the 73 pregnancies analyzed, 18 resulted in stillbirths, and nearly 40% of newborns were diagnosed with congenital or neonatal TB. “Some newborns displayed symptoms such as breathing difficulty, enlarged liver or spleen and signs of severe infection,” explained dr. Akshay Anand of the general surgery department at KGMU.
The review emphasized that TB tends to manifest earlier and in more aggressive forms in IVF pregnancies compared to natural conceptions, increasing the likelihood of complications and pregnancy loss. “These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring in TB-endemic regions,” Prof. Garg emphasized.
The findings are especially relevant for Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, wich has a high prevalence of TB and a growing number of IVF procedures. “In UP, were TB prevalence is significant, screening women for TB before IVF can help reduce associated risks,” prof.Garg remarked. The researchers recommend TB screening before initiating IVF treatment, close monitoring of women with a history of TB, and prompt evaluation of any symptoms – such as fever, cough, or weight loss – that arise during pregnancy to mitigate the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, organ damage, and newborn infections.
Why, who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The study was conducted to investigate a potential link between IVF procedures and an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection and its complications during pregnancy. researchers suspected hormonal changes during IVF might weaken immunity, activating latent TB.
Who: The research was a collaborative effort between king George’s Medical University (KGMU) Lucknow and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and research (PGIMER) Chandigarh. The study analyzed data from 73 IVF pregnancies and seven cohort studies, involving women undergoing IVF treatment. Key researchers included Prof Ravindra Kumar Garg and Dr. Akshay Anand.
What: The study revealed that women undergoing IVF have a higher risk of developing TB, frequently enough earlier in pregnancy (11-1
