NK cell treatment & immune conditions

[Bistbee]

So after our 6th failed implantation my doctor is now considering looking into whether I have an issue with NK cells. My levels were slightly raised before our last transfer but it was assumed that was linked to my chronic endometritis, which was treated with antibiotics before we transferred. After another failure we have to assume there’s more of an issue on the NK cell front.

Everything around NK cell treatment really worries me, just from how little published research there is and possible side effects from treatment to me and any potential baby - my doctor is suggesting IVIg/intralipid infusions plus steroids - both of which need panel approved given the pandemic and timing with getting a vaccine has to be considered too.

Would be really interested to hear from people who’ve received treatment for NK cell issues - what was the process like and any success??

Also any success stories from anyone else has had 6+ transfers without any sign of implantation to then see some progress with NK cell treatment?

Finally, I can’t quite get my head around the fact I might have a uterine immune issue without ANY other indication my immune system is overreactive - I don’t have endo or any thyroid problems so how is it possible that it’s just my immune system in my uterus that’s going crazy and rejecting our embryos!??! Anyone else in this boat??

[SCHNOW]

Hi did you also check your TSH level? Even your T3 T4 levels are normal but TSH can be high and my doctor insisted to check NK cells due to my numbers of 2MC and 2 Chemical pregnancy for 7 transfers. I will get my results today or early next week. Read some articles saying there could be some link between TSH and NC. I will ask my doctor during the next appointment.

[Zebedee1971]

So, obviously everyone is different, but my background is:

I got pregnant REALLY easily, literally the first time we tried, in January 2018. But I lost the baby at 7 weeks. Then I got pregnant the next month, again miscarried early, at 5 weeks this time. Then nothing for a year.

Diagnosed as subclinical hypothyroid in July 2018, meaning my levels were fine (under 5 @ 4.63), but for fertility they want 2 or under... So I was put on levothyroxine. But still no pregnancy.

3 cycles of ivf - 1 bad clinic, 1 chemical, 1 where we got 2 abnormal embryos so couldn't transfer...

I got tested for nk cells in February 2020.

Was given a humira injection but had an allergic reaction so couldn't have second dose. Luckily, one dose was enough. I then got pregnant naturally in August (chemical) and again in September. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant.

The only things that I can think of that made this pregnancy 'stick' were:

1. I had just had my third ivf cycle, in July, so maybe the drugs were still in my system

2. As I'd had ivf, I also had both hydroxychloroquine and intralipids in my system

3. When I got pregnant in September I also started taking steroids as soon as I got a positive, and booked in for another intralipid on the same day... Basically, no messing about. Whereas in the August, I couldn't get time off work so delayed getting the intrlipid by about 5 days.

The september pregnancy has been pretty plain sailing - so far. The steroids mask pregnancy symptoms so I had no morning sickness, bar 3 days where I felt nauseous, and no sore boobs. I was tired but not as bad as I was when I got pregnant back in 2018 - I was shattered then.

I did get a bit of a puffy face from the steroids, but that has now eased off and I look back to my normal self.

As it was a natural pregnancy, I've had none of the usual effects of ivf pregnancy like bleeding. Like I said, the pregnancy has been really easy. Our baby boy is due July 7th.

Obviously it's up to you what you do. But my own experience is that this treatment was the only thing that worked for me in the 2 and a half years we were trying. I too had reservations about some of the drugs, but would I turn back time and choose not to take them?? Hell no! There's no way I would give up what I have now and what I'll hopefully have come this July.

As for the lack of research... Doctor hassan shehata (who treated me) has been doing this for probably 20 years now. Google his name - doctor hassan shehata misarriage, and read some of the articles on him and the women he's helped. This treatment does work. Every time I went in for my intralipid infusions, there were 2 or 3 women in there- all at different stages of pregnancy, some who'd been trying for 4 years plus. There's plenty of research to say steroids are safe in early pregnancy, and intralipids are used by athletes.

Google hassan shehata. It might put your kind at ease and answer any questions you have xx

[waitingg]

Hi, I had ivig for my 5th transfer and it was the one that worked and gave me my little boy. From the tests they did, steroids nor intralipids were bringing my immune/killer cells down low enough.Having the ivig ontop of a fresh cycle is hard and I did feel pretty sick (although was never sure if that was due to the pregnancy or ivig) but I was prepared to try anything and I really trust my dr. I found it a hard decision though as the thought of it isn’t nice. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. Wishing you lots of luck xx

[Cinderella5]

I'm not sure where you live but have you heard of an ERA test? It's where they check to see when your endometrium is most receptive after progesterone. We had this done and it was a huge explanation for our many negatives and the couple of chemicals as I needed an extra 24hrs of progesterone compared to the average lady. I also took steroids as we discovered early on I had slight raised NK cells but I'm sure it was the ERA that made the difference for us.xxx

[Bistbee in reply to Cinderella5]

Yes I had the ERA test done at the same as they did the NK cells, EMMA/ALICE tests - was the full house lol. My receptivity appears normal and it was just the raised NK cells and endometritis that was flagged.

[Cinderella5 in reply to Bistbee]

Ahhhh I see, sorry it's so hard to get answers isnt it?! Hopefully with an NK cell targeted treatment plan you can move forward!!xx