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Biomedical Research Bulletin

Biomed Res Bull. 2025;3(4): 158-167.
doi: 10.34172/biomedrb.9093
  Abstract View: 32101
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Systematic Review

Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Shahla Danaei Mehrabad 1 ORCID logo, Zahra Attarilar 2, Nasim Mahdavi 3, Ali Pourmohammad 3,4, Faezeh Mohseni 5, Mohammadreza Behvarz 6, Morteza Atayi 7* ORCID logo

1 Department of Gynecology, ACECR ART Center, ACECR Headquarters East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3 Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Center: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4 Urology Department, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
5 Department of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
6 Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Science, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
7 Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Center: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
*Corresponding Author: Morteza Atayi, Email: atayi@tbzmed.ac.ir, Email: m.atayi6722@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to re-evaluate lymphocyte immunization therapy (LIT) efficacy for unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL) to bridge the gap between restrictive international guidelines and clinical practices.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched through August 4, 2025. Six randomized controlled trials involving women with uRPL and confirmed alloimmune etiology (anti-paternal cytotoxic antibodies or mixed lymphocyte reaction–blocking factor deficiency) underwent investigation. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (≥24 weeks) that was analyzed using a random-effects model (risk ratio) and the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment.

Results: LIT (paternal cells, pre-conception) was associated with a significantly higher probability of live birth (RR: 1.432; 95% confidence interval: 1.037–1.978; P=0.029). Statistical heterogeneity was high (78.5%). Sensitivity analysis revealed fragility, and removing three specific trials eliminated statistical significance. Finally, adverse events were primarily localized, and neonatal security was supported by reassuring birth outcomes.

Conclusion: Empirical LIT application remains unjustified. However, a significant therapeutic signal exists for optimized protocols in biomarker-screened cohorts. Overall, we advocate for a “Precision Medicine Blueprint” that prioritizes standardized protocols and strict immunologic screening.


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