title: Natural killer cells and reproductive failure--theory, practice and prejudice.
abstract: The relationship between peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells and reproductive failure is one of the most controversial areas in reproductive medicine. Amidst much publicity, peripheral blood NK cell testing is being promoted as a useful diagnostic test to guide the initiation of a variety of immunosuppressive therapies amongst patients with either recurrent miscarriage or infertility. We contend (i) that at present there is no scientific basis for the introduction of NK cell testing into routine clinical practice, and (ii) that the use of immunosuppressant agents based on the results of such testing may potentially be harmful.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, UK. r.rai@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sacks
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trew
mesh_terms: D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000097:blood; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents