Repeated pregnancy losses

• Published in: Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 197
• Main Authors: Zacur, H A, Moutos, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.04.1991
• Subjects: Abortion, Habitual - etiology; Abortion, Habitual - therapy; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 1040-872X
• DOI: 10.1097/00001703-199104000-00006

Our understanding of the causes of repeated pregnancy losses has been expanded during the past year as illustrated from the citations presented from the recent literature in this review. A novel contribution from genetics is the concept of parental gene imprinting, which could help us discuss differences between abnormal embryo and placental development. Advances in immunology, now enable us to use the general term antiphospholipid syndrome to describe pregnancy losses resulting from antibodies to cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine. In addition, other immune causes for pregnancy loss may be present as indicated by the observation that women with circulating antibodies to thyroglobulin or peroxidase are at increased risk for pregnancy loss. Finally, as our knowledge of the cytokines increases, their role in implantation and pregnancy maintenance will be delineated and their dysfunction identified. These disorders will thus become known as the immunodystrophic causes of repeated pregnancy losses.