Clinical Research Directory

Immune Cell Populations in the Endometrium

Specialized immunological studies in the diagnostics of idiopathic infertility and recurrent miscarriages have limited applicability, as the role of the immune system in these conditions is not thoroughly understood. In ovulatory cycles, changes occur in the populations of uterine lymphocytes, which may influence the receptivity of the endometrium and the implantation of the embryo. Particularly notable are the changes in natural killer (NK) cells, which reach their peak during the luteal phase and regulate the invasion of the trophoblast. The dominant NK cells exhibit a CD56bright phenotype and differ in cytokine profiles from peripheral blood cells. Cyclical changes also affect macrophages and T lymphocytes; however, it is unclear whether their proportions differ in women with reduced fertility. There is a need to investigate how the composition of lymphocytes in blood influences the populations in the endometrium. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between peripheral and endometrial lymphocytes in women with idiopathic infertility and recurrent miscarriages, compared to fertile women.

Association Between Plasma Level of Mannose Binding Lectin and Human Reproduction

A low plasma level of mannose binding lectin (p-MBL) is associated with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), but it is not investigated if it is associated with unexplained reproductive failure in general, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after assisted reproductive technology (ART) (including IVF, ICSI and FET), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) after spontaneous conception, and RPL after ART.

Effect of Prednisolone Treatment on Uterine Natural Killer Cells

This study aims to investigate the role of uNK cells and the association with prednisolone.

Chronic Endometritis and Benefits of Antibiotics in Women With Recurrent Miscarriage

The aim of the study is to estimate the incidence of CE, evaluate the endometrial microorganism of CE, and investigate the therapeutic benefits of antibiotics for women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage and CE.

Prednisolone Administration in Patients With Unexplained REcurrent MIscarriages

Recurrent miscarriages (RM) affects 3% of all fertile couples, but remains unexplained in most cases, limiting therapeutic options. Possibly the maternal immune system plays a role in recurrent miscarriage. Prednisolone suppresses the immune system and might enable development of normal pregnancy. In this randomized controlled clinical trial the investigators will study the effect of prednisolone on the live birth rate in patients with RM. Secondary, the tolerability and safety for mother and child and the cost-effectiveness is investigated. In the study one group of pregnant women with RM and gestational age \<7 weeks will receive prednisolone, the other group will receive a placebo. Total use of the medicine during this study is 8 weeks, further care during the study is routinely antenatal care. Subjects will be asked to fill in 4 short questionnaires and will have contact with a research nurse at different time points to gain information on the course of the pregnancy and possible side effects. Results of the study will be implemented in (inter) national guidelines, to effect everyday practice.

Obstetrics , Prenatal Outcomes in Recurrent Miscarriage

The effect of recurrent miscarriage on the outcome of the current pregnancy and if there's a relation between it and adverse out come