ABSTRACT
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a vexing problem facing many couples. Some authorities
have suggested that idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss is alloimmune in nature. Suggested
mechanisms include the presence of cytotoxic antibodies, absence of maternal blocking
antibodies, inappropriate sharing of human leukocyte antigens, and disturbances in
natural killer cell function and distribution. Proposed therapies for so-called alloimmune-related
pregnancy loss include leukocyte immunization and intravenous immune globulin. Unfortunately,
neither has been successful in well-designed trials and both are expensive. Although
alloimmune disturbances may be responsible for some idiopathic recurrent pregnancy
loss, the pathophysiology is far from certain and there is currently no clinical indication
for immunotherapy.
KEYWORD
Alloimmune - recurrent pregnancy loss - intravenous immune globulin
