Unexplained Miscarriage
The diagnosis of unexplained, possible alloimmune recurrent pregnancy loss is one of exclusion. When all other tests are negative, this may be the factor. Couples with unexplained, possible alloimmune factors should be evaluated on an individual basis only by a doctor with a comprehensive understanding of reproductive immunology.
How are alloimmune factors diagnosed?
Currently it is by process of elimination. Blood tests done on the patient are negative for other factors which lead investigators to more specialized blood tests. An assessment of natural killer cells in maternal blood, and mixed lymphocytes cultures to assess for anti-paternal antibodies in the maternal serum have been done.
What treatment is available for alloimmune factors?
All of the treatments for alloimmune factors are experimental and part of clinical research studies. For the past ten years studies have been done to see if injecting a woman with her partner's white blood cells would counteract the anti-paternal antibodies. However, recent research (Lancet June 1999) disproved this theory.
Most recently studies are ongoing using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Immunoglobulins are proteins that are capable of acting like antibodies. Five different types are normally present in an adult. Researchers theorize that IVIG will decrease the anti-paternal antibodies in the women's blood system and thus increase her chances of a successful pregnancy.
Please see our clinical research section on the current IVIG study at the University of Chicago.