Soluble CD30 (sCD30) and effectiveness of leukocyte therapy in recurrent pregnancy loss patients

Abstract

While there is still controversy regarding its effectiveness, leukocyte therapy is considered a useful method of treatment for a subgroup of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). To date, there is no reliable test for evaluating the effectiveness of leukocyte therapy. Deviation in the cytokine balance toward a Th2 response is suggested to be the major mechanism underlying the benefit of leukocyte therapy. sCD30 is an index of activity of the Th2 arm of the immune system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of leukocyte therapy on serum sCD30 and also to investigate the relationship between the sCD30 level after therapy and pregnancy outcome. The sCD30 titer in a group of RPL patients treated with paternal leukocytes was measured before and after therapy and compared with two control groups (normal non-pregnant and first trimester pregnant women). The mean level of sCD30 was found to be significantly increased after treatment. A significant increase in the mean level of sCD30 was observed in patients after leukocyte therapy irrespective of later successful or unsuccessful pregnancy outcome. No correlation between the increase in sCD30 level and pregnancy outcome was observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that leukocyte therapy increases the sCD30 level; however, the rise in the sCD30 level is not correlated with a successful outcome.