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Recurrent Pregnancy Loss > Cause > Allo-Immune Alloimmune DisordersIn order for a pregnancy to survive, the female's immune system must recognize it as a foreign body, that is, one that is at least partially derived from someone else's genes. In pregnancy, this recognition results in the production of what are called blocking antibodies. Blocking antibodies function to prevent the rejection of the pregnancy by the rest of the immune system. In some couples, the male's immune system may be similar enough to the female's immune system that her system does not really recognize the pregnancy as foreign, and therefore does not produce adequate blocking antibodies. Without blocking antibodies, the rest of the immune system can attack the pregnancy and cause it to fail. This problem is evaluated through blood testing which is rather expensive. Treatment involves injecting white blood cells from the husband into the wife so that her immune system will begin to recognize his cells as foreign and begin to respond appropriately. Although some centers have reported excellent results with this form of therapy, this is certainly the most controversial of any of the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss and should be discussed carefully with your physician. © 2005 Jarrett Fertility Group |
