Endometrial plasma and NK cell determination
In women who have suffered multiple miscarriages, scientific studies have examined the lining of the uterus for the presence of specific cells of the immune system.
These cells are also detected in healthy women without miscarriages. It is suspected that too high a number of these cells could lead to problems in implanting the embryos.
Foundation:
Natural killer cells are a subset of white blood cells (leukocytes). Their task is to eliminate viruses, bacteria or even tumor cells (hence "killer" cells). A distinction is made between peripheral (circulating) and uterine killer cells. In early pregnancy, uterine killer cells regulate the interaction between the embryo and the maternal organism.
Theory:
There are indications that an increased number of uNK cells could have a negative effect on the implantation of the embryo. therefore, patients with a so-called implantation failure (no pregnancy occurs despite multiple transfers of "good" embryos) or with repeated miscarriages could benefit from a determination of uNK cells.
Such a determination is carried out after removal of tissue from the uterine mucosa in the course of an endometrial biopsy (see also: Endometrial biopsy).
approach:
If an increased number is detected, it is possible to reduce it by lipid infusions.
basis:
Plasma cells are a subgroup of white blood cells (leukocytes). They are used for the production and release of antibodies. An increased presence of these plasma cells in the endometrium can be an indication of a chronic inflammation of the uterus (a so-called chronic endometritis). This inflammation usually proceeds asymptomatically or with only very mild symptoms.
Theory:
The inflammation leads to a change in the lining of the uterus, impairs the implantation or further development of the embryos. This can lead to a so-called implantation failure (no pregnancy occurs despite multiple transfers of "good" embryos) or repeated miscarriages.
The uterine plasma cells are determined after removal of tissue from the uterine mucosa in the course of an endometrial biopsy (see also: Endometrial biopsy).
approach:
Treatment with antibiotics attempts to eradicate the germs responsible for the inflammation. In order to check the success of the treatment, another endometrial biopsy is necessary (see also: Endometrial Biopsy).