Genetic factors influencing recurrent pregnancy loss: lessons learnt from recent studies

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is the loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies before the 24th week of gestation. RM occurs chiefly owing to either a problem with the pregnancy or the environment where it implants and further development occurs. A large number of pathological factors have been attributed to the etiology of RM. A number of genetic association studies in different populations, including that of India, have been conducted, yet with no definite conclusions. This review analyzes various genetic association studies that have been conducted based on the underlying immunological, thrombophilic and endocrine factors in RM, and outlines the salient features of the findings and lessons from those, suggesting possible future directions for research in this area.