NK cell testing

[Bump12]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had NK cells tested at Lister and if they have back as normal? As I always wonder if they are being over diagnosed.

I have had 4 first trimester miscarriages, but a heartbeat was seen so I’m wondering if It could be an immune problem or if could be related to a uterine septum that I have?

Any experience/ suggestions much appreciated.

Thank you

[Shirazlover2013]

Hi bump12, I had nk cells tested at the lister. My results came back slightly elevated on one of the markers (the normal range went up to 31 and I was 33). The treatment for this was low dose steroids. I can’t tell whether it’s impacted me as I’ve not had any pregnancy losses, I have a naturally conceived nearly 6y/o son and since then have failed all attempts at getting pregnant again. Are they over diagnosed? Again not sure, when you’re facing years of failure you end up doing loads of tests trying to figure out why. Maybe the tests are sensitive and when there’s a fine line between success and failure we try whatever it takes. 🤷🏼‍♀️

One of my besties has had 10 miscarriages and has high nk cells requiring high dose steroids and some other medications, so personally I do believe there’s a link. It’s a shame the test is so expensive though. I paid privately to get mine but my friend had hers through the recurrent miscarriage service on the nhs (public health care). I hope you have some success soon as I’m sure it’s been a harrowing journey so far 🤞xx

[Bump12 in reply to Shirazlover2013]

I know I guess when you have so many failures you tend to look at all other possible options but then also because it’s not evidenced based it makes you doubt it.Thank you for your reply, if you don’t mind me asking did the steroids work for you afterwards? And how many cycles did you take them for? Xx

[Shirazlover2013 in reply to Bump12]

I did the nk cells test after our 4th failed round of ivf. We’ve only done one round since and that was a complete disaster so no proof from me that taking steroids helps. But there are some others on here who believe it’s helped them maintain a pregnancy, there’s another chain today talking about nk cell treatment which I’m sure you’ll have read.

[Bump12 in reply to Shirazlover2013]

I actually haven’t see the other thread. I’m actually new here would you mind telling me how I can find the other thread please?

Sorry to hear the steroids didn’t work o think it is a tricky one

[Shirazlover2013 in reply to Bump12]

It’s called intralipid infusions, nk cells. I’ve just commented on it so it will bring it higher up the list when you look at all threads.

[Patches86]

I’m at lister, haven’t had NK cells tested, but my consultant seems very against it when I’ve asked about it (after 3 failed transfers)…

[Bump12 in reply to Patches86]

Yeah I think it’s a difficult decision to take when it is not evidence based and expensive tests Sorry to hear about the 3 failed transfer hope you are doing okay

[Maui2020]

I’m at the Lister, had one successful pregnancy with them and 7 failed transfers since. I mentioned NK cells as I’m under Dr Thum who is a specialist in the area. He suggested to do another cycle first to see if a tested embryo fails before looking into other avenues. They definitely don’t push testing but I would also be interested to hear if many results come back normal. Xx

[Bump12 in reply to Maui2020]

That’s quite interesting because when I went to him that was the first thing he mentioned. I get my results on Tuesday and will let you know the results xx

[Maui2020 in reply to Bump12]

That is interesting. Maybe because I’m 40 now they just put everything down to embryos..?! Yes please keep me updated and I’m going for a fresh cycle in 2 weeks but it may end up a freeze all and I’m contemplating testing before transfer so I don’t waste any precious embryos xx

[Bump12 in reply to Maui2020]

Just thought I would update you about my Nk cells results. They said it’s raised (I think it was expected). They said they want the levels to be less than 20% and mine was 26%. Treatment is either steroids or IVIG.

We have decided not to go ahead with the treatment as not evidenced based and try our luck 🤞

[Maui2020 in reply to Bump12]

Thanks so much for the update. I’m still interested in your original Q as I haven’t come across anyone who hasn’t come back with elevated NK cells when they have tested. I don’t blame your decision as we have gone down many rabbit holes over borderline results for various things. It’s so hard to find the balance between covering all bases complete overkill.My round did end up being a freeze all. We are waiting to see how many blastocysts we have before we decide to PGT test, and based on that will consider NK cell testing.

I wanted Dr Thum to prescribe me steroids without the testing as they did that as default with a friend of mine at another clinic successfully. But he didn’t want to prescribe anything without any basis.

So will wait and see what happens.

Best of luck with your treatment, hope it’s the one xxx