Recurrent pregnancy losses and the role of immunotherapy

Post implantation pregnancy losses are psychologically and economically stressful to the childbearing population. The etiology in the vast majority of cases is unknown but is partly thought to result from a breakdown of the maternal tolerance to the fetoplacental unit. Immunologically based therapy remains controversial but no alternative therapy is available at the moment. This article reviews the conceived immunological basis of recurrent pregnancy losses, discussing the controversies arising, and recommending the use of intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIg, in well controlled experiments for further clinical trials. Received: August 1999 / Accepted: 10 December 1999