ABSTRACT
The approach of using leucocyte immunization to treat unexplained recurrent miscarriage began several decades ago with either third-party leucocytes or paternal leucocytes. The option of using third-party leucocytes was based on the observation that renal allograft rejection could be delayed by third-party blood transfusions. The Recurrent Miscarriage Study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of paternal leucocyte immunization compared to saline as control intervention in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Two systematic reviews of immunotherapy for recurrent miscarriage have been published. The first report was limited to trials reporting random allocation to either leucocyte immunotherapy or placebo in Chinese women with two or more miscarriages. A second systematic review was undertaken to assess whether the efficacy of leucocyte immunization is influenced by whether it is performed before or after pregnancy has been established. The optimal number of leucocytes to be used, administration before or after pregnancy is established, and the route of administration require further research.
