Kobe University Discovers Treatment for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
In Kobe, Japan, researchers have made a significant breakthrough in helping women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss. This condition affects women who have lost two or more pregnancies without a known cause. A team led by obstetrician Tanimura Kenji at Kobe University found that about 20% of these women have a specific antibody that attacks their own bodies.
Tanimura and his team discovered that a treatment used for a similar condition could help these women. They tested this treatment, which includes low-dose aspirin or a drug called heparin, on women across five hospitals in Japan. Over two years, they monitored the pregnancy outcomes of women who received the treatment compared to those who did not.
The results were promising. Women who received the treatment had a much higher chance of having a live birth, with 87% achieving this outcome compared to only 50% of those who did not receive the treatment. Additionally, the treatment reduced pregnancy complications from 50% to just 6%.
Although the study involved a small sample size, with 39 women receiving the treatment and 8 not, the findings are significant. Tanimura noted that women with only the newly discovered antibodies had an even higher success rate, with 93% having live births and none experiencing complications.
Looking forward, Tanimura hopes that this treatment could also help with other conditions related to infertility and systemic rheumatic diseases. The research has been published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.
Doubts Revealed
Kobe University -: Kobe University is a well-known university in Japan. It is famous for its research and education in various fields.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss -: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss is when a woman loses two or more pregnancies without a known reason. It can be very sad and difficult for families.
Antibody -: An antibody is a protein made by the body’s immune system to fight off harmful things like bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, antibodies can mistakenly attack the body’s own cells.
Low-dose aspirin -: Low-dose aspirin is a small amount of a common medicine used to reduce pain and swelling. It can also help prevent blood clots.
Heparin -: Heparin is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is often used in hospitals for patients who need to keep their blood flowing smoothly.