Hi I am a newbie to the forum but unfortunately not to IVF! I have had 3 failed attempts and recently had some more tests done..........

[Stillstrugglingsteph]

To find out that me and my DH have similar DQ alpha tissue typing and I have a high level (20.6%) to be exact of NK (natural killer) cells.

Is there anybody with a similar case on here who might be able to advise me on the best way forward with regards to medication I should be on or if the DQ alpha matching is a big issue to overcome. Any advise would be much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hi. Stillstrugglingsteph. In the blood we have immune cells called lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). About 5% of these have a special job to do. This is to recognise and kill cells that have either become cancerous or have become infected with a virus. They are known as “Natural Killer cells” or NK cells. NK cells bind themselves to the diseased or infected cells and release a potent chemical that kills these cells. They are a natural defence mechanism we have.

Recently, a special type of immune cell has been found in the endometrial lining of the uterus. They are found particularly at the time of implantation of an embryo and during the early weeks of pregnancy. Because of similarities in appearance to NK cells they were called “uterine” NK cells. However, uterine NK cells are very different from the NK cells found in the blood because they remain in the endometrium and do not circulate in the blood stream. It is thought that uterine NK cells play an important role in implantation and in establishing the circulation of the early placenta. No evidence has been found to show that uterine NK cells have any effect on the embryo or developing baby.

The normal range of NK cells in the blood of healthy women varies from 5% - 30% depending upon the stage of the menstrual cycle at the time of testing. A few clinics have established screening tests to measure the level of blood NK cells for patients with a history of infertility, failed IVF or recurrent miscarriages. On finding a raised level of blood NK cells, treatments have been offered to reduce the levels in the belief that improved pregnancy outcomes will be achieved. These include treatments with soluble aspirin, heparin, steroids, and/or intravenous immuno-globulin. Obviously, these treatments need to be thoroughly explained before their usage.

Hope this explanation is OK. Kind regards. Diane

[GandT]

We had a 13% test on NK cells and were given prednisolone and cyclogest to take once we had a +ve test after taking Clomid. Unfortunately it did not work for us first time had an ectopic pregnancy before miscarriage at 8 weeks. We thought the medication would help but it hasn't in our case. Now waiting on follow-up consultation.