Autoimmunity and pregnancy loss

Article Abstract:

The spontaneous miscarriage of a pregnancy that is recognized (many are not) is the most frequent complication of pregnancy and one which triggers a strong emotional loss. Recurrent pregnancy loss, the loss of three consecutive pregnancies, affects 0.5 to 1 percent of women. While many possible causes have been proposed and investigated, in the past decade maternal immunologic factors have been linked to this condition. Circumstantial evidence suggest that some fetal deaths may be linked to maternal antibodies (the active chemical mediators of the immune system) crossing the placenta to the developing fetus. There is a known association of elevated fetal death and miscarriage in mothers with hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function). An article in the September 19, 1990 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association correlates an elevated rate of miscarriage with the presence of autoantibodies against the thyroid gland; women found to have such antibodies were statistically more likely to experience spontaneous abortions. The authors, however, fail to provide sufficient detail to fully evaluate the situation. These and similar data suggest an immunological basis for spontaneous miscarriage in a small, but clinically important group of patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Autoantibodies, Risk factors, editorial

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Suitability of fetal tissues from spontaneous abortions and from ectopic pregnancies for transplantation

Article Abstract:

Fetal tissues derived from ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages may be inadequate in quantity and quality to support human transplantation therapy. In 1993, researchers collected and analyzed fetal tissues from women who had an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage to evaluate the quantity and quality of the fetal tissues. A total of 22,235 women were admitted to one of five hospitals for obstetrical care. Of these, 1,497 women had a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Embryos were recovered from 73 women. Approximately 71% of the analyzed embryos had degenerated, 78.6% were contaminated by bacteria, and 40.3% had various chromosomal abnormalities. Only 7 embryos were suitable for use in human transplantation therapy. Approximately 74% of the women who provided the embryonic tissues had cytomegalovirus infection and 7.4% had hepatitis. Approximately 14% of the women had medical histories that excluded them from donating tissues.

Health aspects, Evaluation, Pregnancy, Ectopic, Ectopic pregnancy, Fetal tissues

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Immunologic aspects of reproductive diseases

Article Abstract:

The female reproductive tract appears to have mechanisms that prevent it from mounting an immune response to sperm, seminal fluid and the developing embryo, all of which are foreign tissues. It is likely that the fetus is protected by the placenta and its associated structures, since many miscarriages are a result of an immune attack against the placenta, not the fetus. The placenta also secretes hormones that can suppress immune reactions. There is evidence that women also produce blocking antibodies, which may block their immune response to the fetus. Many cases of infertility are characterized by an autoimmune type of reaction. Women and men may produce antibodies to sperm, which would cause infertility. Many women with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, have an increased risk of miscarriage. Some women produce antibodies against the ovaries, which can cause premature menopause.

Endometriosis, Infertility, Reproductive organs, Female, Female genitalia

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