A panoramic view to relationships between reproductive failure and immunological factors.

PURPOSE: To examine the possible roles of various immunological factors in recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. METHODS: The synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language. RESULTS: Substantial evidence suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, antisperm antibodies, antithyroid antibodies, anti-endometrial antibodies, antiovarian antibodies, anti-C trachomatis antibodies, cytokines, and immunological events in endometriosis and premature ovarian failure due to immunologic factors may contribute to reproductive failure including unexplained infertility and/or non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination or suppression of the immunological factors related with reproductive failure might occupy an important place in the treatment of unexplained infertility and non-chromosomal recurrent miscarriage.