Autoimmunity and recurrent pregnancy losses.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• Autoimmune diseases
• Pregnancy complications

Background:

• The bidirectional relationship between autoimmunity and reproduction is well-established.
• Autoimmune disturbances are increasingly recognized as a cause of recurrent pregnancy losses.
• This review focuses on autoimmune causes of recurrent pregnancy loss in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between specific autoimmune disturbances and recurrent pregnancy loss.
• To highlight the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in recurrent miscarriage.
• To identify areas needing further research regarding autoantibodies and pregnancy loss.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on autoimmunity and recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Analysis of the evidence linking antiphospholipid antibodies to recurrent miscarriage.
• Discussion of potential mechanisms, including vasculopathy.

Main Results:

• Antiphospholipid antibodies show a clear association with recurrent miscarriage.
• Vasculopathy of terminal spiral arteries is a potential mechanism for pregnancy loss in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Routine screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with recurrent miscarriage is generally agreed upon.

Conclusions:

• Antiphospholipid antibodies are a significant factor in recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Further well-designed studies are necessary to clarify the role of other autoantibodies in recurrent miscarriage.