Role of peripheral blood Natural Killer cells in the study and prognosis of recurrent spontaneous abortion and implantation failure

Abstract

ABSTRACT : INTRODUCTION: The aetiology of RPL and RIF is still unknown in half of the cases, where NK cells and their cytotoxicity seem to play an important role. However, no standard cut-off of peripheral NK cells and treatment has been established yet. OBJECTIVES: We will design a retrospective cohort study to analyse the effect of the peripheral blood NK cells and their cytotoxicity and the use of different treatments in women affected with RPL and RIF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our cohort study, 95 women affected with RPL, and 11 women affected with RIF were included, finally analysing 445 pregnancies – 101 of which received a treatment. CONCLUSION: Randomized clinical trials are needed to establish a cut-off of peripheral blood NK cells and to define the proper, secure, and evidence-based medical treatment for women affected with RPL and RIF.