title: Use of Gammaglobulin to Lower Elevated Natural Killer Cells in Patients with Recurrent Miscarriage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in patients presenting with recurrent miscarriage and abnormally elevated natural killer (NK) cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective patient controlled evidence level II-2 pilot study was conducted at Cohen Center, P.A., Medical City Dallas Hospital. Ninety women with a history of recurrent miscarriage (average, 5) and elevated NK cells were retrospectively evaluated to document the outcome of their treatment with IVIG.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 90 women with elevated NK cells who received IVIG treatment, 78 (86.7%) became pregnant. Sixty-four (82.0%) of those pregnancies had a successful viable outcome. Fourteen (18.0%) gestations ended as first trimester miscarriages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude at evidence level II-2 that, with adequate precautions, low-dose IVIG therapy is safe and effective for women with immunologic abortion and documented abnormally elevated NK cells.
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Surekha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Machupalli
mesh_terms: D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D005719:gamma-Globulins