[Abortions of immunologic origin. A trial of etiologic classifications and therapeutic consequences]

Repeated unintentional abortions are an agonizing problems for many couples. When the cause is unexplained an immunological reason is often invoked. There have been many theories, but none have been able to be proven. Progress in immunology makes it possible to predict that these mechanisms will become better understood. At the present time the most recent work presented by the authors underlines the fact that there are probably several different immunological mechanisms causing abortion. When the mechanisms can be identified using current techniques, it may be possible to suggest the treatment suited to each one of these situations and to abandon empirical treatment as is at present used in these repeated abortions.