Prevention of recurrent spontaneous abortion by intravenous immunoglobulin.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment was attempted as a novel therapeutic approach for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy. Twenty women with a history of RSA were treated with IVIG during pregnancy. Therapy was commenced at week 5 of gestation with 1 dose of 0.5-0.6 g IVIG/kg body weight. Infusions were repeated every 3 weeks (0.3-0.4 g/kg) and terminated by week 22 to 24. Of 20 women, 11 delivered healthy infants at term. 5 women are still pregnant, 3 in the third trimester. Only 3 patients suffered abortions and 1 presented with ectopic pregnancy. The overall success rate was 82-86%. Thus, the therapeutic effect of IVIG is comparable to that of the conventional transfusion/vaccination regimen with allogeneic leukocytes, but avoids the risk of transmission of infections and/or HLA immunization, has no major adverse effects and is applicable to 'nonresponders'.
Mueller-Eckhardt
G
G
Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, FRG.
Heine
O
O
Neppert
J
J
Künzel
W
W
Mueller-Eckhardt
C
C
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D007136:Immunoglobulins