Can endometrial infection/inflammation explain implantation failure, spontaneous abortion, and preterm birth after in vitro fertilization?
The endometrial cavity is frequently invaded by microorganisms, and subclinical endometrial infection or inflammation may play a role in implantation failure after IVF, spontaneous abortion, and preterm birth. Microbial products and host-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines can cause trophoblast apoptosis and the cascade of events leading to expulsion of the embryo or fetus.
Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. warfiela@mail.nih.gov
Roberto
R
Romero
Jimmy
J
Espinoza
Moshe
M
Mazor
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000382:microbiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004716:Endometritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000382:microbiology*
D004731:Endotoxins