Immunological parameters in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

J Reprod Immunol. 1980 Feb;1(5-6):307-19. doi: 10.1016/0165-0378(80)90004-2.

Abstract

Immunological function were studied in 22 patients with hydatidiform mole and 29 patients with malignant trophoblastic disease before and after treatment; normal pregnant and post-pregnant women served as controls. The only significant abnormality in hydatidiform mole was a low granulocyte chemotaxis before evacuation. In malignant trophoblastic disease the total lymphocyte counts, T-cell counts. B-cell counts, lymphocyte responses to mitogens and serum IgA levels were significantly lower than in normal women 6 wk after pregnancy. In those who responded to chemotherapy, these indices rose to the levels of post-pregnancy controls. An 'immune profile score' based on these indices was found to be a useful prognostic index. All patients with hydatidiform mole who had a score of 7 or less developed malignant trophoblastic disease, while the two patients with malignant trophoblastic disease who died had the lowest scores of the series.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Mitogens / pharmacology
  • Pregnancy
  • Skin Tests
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Mitogens
  • Methotrexate