This study evaluate the effect of latent infection of tuberculosis on the pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET in infertile patients with radiographic lesions suggesting old healed tuberculosis

China is one of the countries with high burden of tuberculosis (TB) defined by WHO. IVF-ET is an effective method to treat infertility. Chest X-ray is a routine examination before IVF-ET, which can exclude active tuberculosis. However, for patients with chest X-ray showing old healed tuberculosis, the relationship between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and pregnancy outcomes is unknown. In this study, a prospective cohort study was carried out in infertile women who were planning to receive IVF-ET. IGRA were tested in patients with old tuberculosis in chest X-ray. A cohort of IGRA positive and IGRA negative was constructed. The pregnancy outcomes were followed up prospectively and the relationship between latent infection of tuberculosis and pregnancy outcomes was analyzed. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes were tuberculosis reactivation during pregnancy period and in 3 months after delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The patients who referred to the reproductive center for IVF-ET
• Chest radiography showed old healed tuberculosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• active tuberculosis

Participants were recruited between January 1, 2019, and December 30, 2020, at Peking University Third Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Beijing, China. A board-certified radiologist reviewed CXRs and, if available, chest computed tomography (CT) scans, of women who referred to the reproductive center for IVF-ET. The patients who had chest imaging abnormalities consistent with old healed TB were admitted or referred to the respiratory clinic and enrolled.