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.
Romero
Roberto
R
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
Espinoza
Jimmy
J
Mazor
Moshe
M
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