Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment modulates peripheral blood Th17 and regulatory T cells in recurrent miscarriage patients: Non randomized, open-label clinical trial

- Th17 cells and Treg cells have been proposed as new risk factors for recurrent miscarriage (RM).
- IVIG down-regulated Th17 cells and up-regulated Treg cells population and function.
- Immune modulatory effect of IVIG may be associated with successful pregnancy outcome in RM patient.

BackgroundTh17 cells and Treg cells have been proposed as new risk factors for recurrent miscarriage (RM). In this study, we investigated the effect of Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) on the levels and function of Th17 and Treg cells and pregnancy outcome in women with RM.Materials and methods94 pregnant women with RM were enrolled in this study. Blood was drawn at the time of positive pregnancy. On the same day, IVIG 400 mg/kg was administered intravenously for 44 patients. 50 other RM patients were included as no IVIG interfering control group. Following the first administration, IVIG was given every 4 weeks through 32 weeks of gestation. Peripheral blood was drawn after the last administration (32 weeks after pregnancy).ResultsIVIG down-regulated Th17 cells population and function and up-regulated Treg cells population and function were significant in the treated group. Pregnancy outcome in IVIG treated subjects was successful in 38 out of 44 RM women (86.3%). However, pregnancy outcome was successful in 21 out of 50 untreated RM women (42%).ConclusionAdministration of IVIG in RM women with cellular immune cells abnormalities during pregnancy influences Th17/Treg ratio in peripheral blood and enhances Treg and decreases Th17 responses.