ANTI-PATERNAL HLA ANTIBODIES INCREASE RISKS FOR PRE-TERM LABOR & STILL BIRTHS

The presence of anti-paternal HLA (human leukocyte antigens) antibodies in recent medical literature has been linked to increased risk for pre-term labor, Chorioamnionitis (an infection of the membranes - placental tissues - and amniotic fluid) and still-birth.

It seems that the presence of these antibodies (those that turn the LAD test positive) at the start of a pregnancy can chronically (over the long-term) inflame the placenta leading to any of the above three conditions.

At Braverman IVF & Reproductive Immunology we have been monitoring our LAD positive patients to type the exact antibodies that are present, as well as determine their levels. This aids us in properly assessing our patients risk for any of the above conditions and helps us with treating them to reduce the risk. We monitor the levels of these antibodies in our patients to determine the success of their treatments.

There are some new studies that show the presence of these antibodies may possibly be linked to autism. The thinking is that these antibodies against paternal genes are then also against the developing fetus, and as they cross the placenta they can attach to the fetus and begin the process of inflammation. Numerous new studies are speculating that inflammation during pregnancy may be linked to autism. There is still quite a bit of research left to be done on this topic, so stay tuned.