IVIg therapy increases delivery birthweight in babies born to women with elevated preconception proportion of peripheral blood (CD56+/CD3-) natural killer cells

Abstract

Sixty-six women who had singleton deliveries were divided into four groups. Group 1: 16 women with elevated preconception NK cells (>12%) using IVIg, group 2: eight women with similar elevated preconception NK cells not using IVIg, group 3: 32 women with non-elevated preconception NK cells (≤12%) using IVIg, and group IV: ten women with similar non-elevated preconception NK cells not using IVIg. These groups were similar with regards to patient age, test results, and history. Mean gestational age (±cmaz, GSD) of babies at delivery wa± 39.3 ± 1.7± 37.4 ± 3.7± 38.5 ± 1.3, an± 38.7 ± 1.5 weeks, for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Mean birthweight of babies at delivery was± 3,267 373,±2,654 ± 627,±3,129 ± 527, and±3,202 ± 357 grams, respectively. Birthweight was significantly higher for1group I vs. group 2 (p = 0.006) but not for groups 1 vs. group 3. There was no significant difference between the groups for preeclampsia rate, C-section rate or preterm delivery rate. In women with elevated preconception peripheral NK cells, mean birthweight at delivery is low without IVIg therapy ±2,654 ± 627 grams) but significantly improved with IVIg therapy ±3,267 ± 373 grams). In high risk wom without preconception NK cell elevation, mean birthweight at delivery is not further-increased with IVIg therapy ±3,202 ± 357 grams with IVIg vs.±3,129 ± 527 grams without IVIg). IVIg may be a treatment option for women with preconception NK elevation at risk of a low birthweight baby. Preconception immune testing may be a tool for determining which patients will benefit from IVIg therapy. Larger repeat studies are needed for confirmation.