Tulppala M, Alfthan H, Stenman UH, Ylikorkala O. Absence of autoantibodies to human chorionic gonadotropin in women with a history of habitual abortion.
Fertil Steril 1992;
58:946-9. [PMID:
1385226 DOI:
10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55440-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine if immunization to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has occurred in women with habitual abortion.
DESIGN
Comparisons between nonpregnant patients with a history of at least three consecutive miscarriages (n = 48) and normal controls (n = 38). In addition, 28 habitual aborters were compared, while pregnant, with 37 pregnant control women. Antibodies to hCG were assessed by a solid-phase immunometric assay using europium-labeled antihuman immunoglobulin (Ig)G as tracer; this method is capable of detecting antibodies toward hCG in serum of patients immunized with beta-hCG-tetanus toxoid conjugate.
SETTING
Departments I and II of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
RESULTS
Three patients (1 primary and 2 secondary aborters, 1 both while pregnant and not pregnant) showed evidence of Ig binding to hCG, but the binding was not inhibited by an excess of hCG.
CONCLUSIONS
Antibodies against endogenous hCG may not be responsible for habitual abortion.
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