Histocompatibility antigens in primary chronic placental failure

Abstract

Objective: To study compatibility of married couples according to the HLA antigen system in normal and complicated by primary chronic placental failure pregnancy.

Full Text

Methods: A clinical and immunologic study was carried out in 40 couples with primary chronic placental failure and 30 couples with normal pregnancy. The heterogeneity degree in married couples was studied according to histocompatibility antigen of A and В locuses. HLA antigens were tested by standard lymphocytotoxic Terasaki test in Dausset modification. Chronic placentalfailure diagnosis was based on the results of ultrasoundfetometry and placentometry, cardiotocography, dopplerography of uteroplacental blood flow.

Results: A tendency to enlarge the wife and husband’s compatibility as regards leukocytic antigens of A and В locuses in primary chronic placental failure was determined. In those couples that are compatible by 3 HLA antigens of A and В loci, chronic placental failure symptoms appeared earlier than in cases of compatibility by 2 HLA antigen. In 26 cases of compatible couples pregnancy tends to end in spontaneous abortion or preterm labor. In 13 cases pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia, severe gestation anemia. The heterogeneity degree in married couples correlated with some immune and hemostatic parameters of pregnant women. In those couples that arc compatible by 2 or 3 HLA antigens pregnants cellular and humoral immunity was more depressed, the level of acute phase reactants was more increased and the concentrations of acute phase contrreactants was more decreased. Only 6 patients with normal pregnancy were compatible by I HLA antigens of A or В loci with their husbands.

Conclusions: The percentage of compatible couples was higher in the primary chronic placental failure group, as compared to normal pregnancy. Probably, the complications of pregnancy were connected with specific HLA-determinations which mainly control the power of immune reactions.