Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016; 76 - A22
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583573

Immunohistochemical analysis of CD138-positive Plasma cells in the endometrium

M Weber 1, B Toth 2, E Schleußner 1, UR Markert 1
  • 1Universitätsklinikum Jena, Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Abtl. Geburtshilfe, Placenta-Labor
  • 2Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Fertilitätsstörungen

Background: Chronic endometritis is often mild, characterized by the infiltration of plasma cells in the endometrium and usually caused by bacteria. It may be a reason for recurrent miscarriage (RM) and repeated implantation failure (RIF). The aim of this study was to quantify plasma cell concentration in the endometrium of RM and RIF patients.

Methods: Endometrial biopsies from 450 patients (232 RIF, 70 RM, 151 unknown reason of infertility) were investigated via immunohistochemistry using DAB staining of CD138+ plasma cells. A second analysis was performed in 15 patients after antibiotic-therapy. ≤3 plasma cells/mm2 were assumed as normal value based on previous reports.

Results: Elevated plasma cell counts have been detected in 14.7% of RIF patients, 15.7% of RM patients and 13.2% of patients with unknown reason of infertility. After antibiotic therapy of chronic endometritis, in 11 of 15 (73.3%) patients the plasma cell count decreased to normal range indicating successful treatment.

Conclusion: A subgroup of patients under reproductive medical treatment may have asymptomatic chronic endometritis which is only reflected by elevated endometrial plasma cells and may be treated with antibiotic therapy. The effect of this treatment on infertility needs to be further evaluated.