Would you go for Intralipid or IVIg?

[Clar-bear]

Hi lovely people,

I have elevated NK cell level (29.7) and my consultant recommends immunotherapy either with Intralipids (would bring my NK level to 18-21) or IVIg (bring level to 14.9) he said steroids were not being offered during the pandemic.

I want the best chances for my next transfer which means having IVIg, but am concerned about the cost of this treatment as a single infusion costs £1800 and not sure how many doses are needed if I would be so lucky as to have a positive pregnancy test - think they said i'd need these every 4 weeks during pregnancy! Intralipid on the other hand are much more affordable around £300 per infusion and only a few doses....

Has anyone experience with immunotherapy, specifically IVIg - how many infusions were needed and did you get your NK cells re-tested during your treatment to check they were working?

Thank you xx

[Nuszkahope]

I had steroids during pandemic but I was very careful and pretty much self isolated. I did go shopping etc but other than that I did not see anyone. My level was 33, I took 10mg prodisolone for a week before transfer, day before transfer 20mg and continued for 5 days then went back to 10mg. I took them until almost 13 weeks. I have never had intralipids or anything else. If you are able to self isolate maybe you should try to convince him to prescribe you the steroids, they are not expensive and they do work x

[XOXO13]

My NK levels have come back at 29.9 alongside elevated Thyroid Antibodies both of which are managed with steroids. I’m on a short protocol, D5 of Stims today, and I’m starting on Dexamethasone this morning which is an oral steroid, and intrapilids potentially from Monday (though they’ve not confirmed type yet or how often I’ll need them). I’ve been told just to be careful, and I’ve cancelled plans to see anyone so I can isolate as much and as effectively as possible given the current situation. Has your doctor recommended which one would be better for you to take? I would go with their recommendation. Best of luck 🍀

[HemBella]

I haven’t been offered IVIg but I’ve started with intralipids and will be starting steroids this week. I managed to convince my GP to give me my second COVID vaccination a few weeks ago because of it.

I still plan to isolate as obviously COVID is only one concern when you are suppressing your immune system. I did one intralipid infusion last week, another to come this week and then another after the transfer.

Are you in a position to push for steroids and try intralipids before investing in IVIg?

[Clar-bear]

Thanks so much for the responses. I've emailed my consultant if I it's possible to have steroids/intralipids if it will bring my NK level to an acceptable level, though I suspect the answer will be no if it's a clinic-wide policy...Intralipids on their own are an option I was given but my results showed this would not reduce my NK levels down to the recommended level, whereas IVIg could get it down to 14.9. I spoke to a nurse this morning and she mentioned typically women have only 3 doses of IVIg (one dose after trigger, one if a positive pregnancy is confirmed and one 4-5 weeks later) which sounds more affordable than 10 doses! After so many failed cycles, I want to give my few precious frosties the best chance of success so am psyching myself up to go with IVIg...so that I know i've tried everything out there. Fingers crossed it will work this time and sending you all good wishes of success in your treatment too xx

[Zebedee1971]

Hi, I had nk cell treatment during the pandemic. I ended up getting pregnant naturally in September, after having Intralipids in my system from my previous ivf cycle, as well as hydroxy chloroquine (this is sometimes offered as an alternative to steroids but I was prescribed both). When I got the positive on the pregnancy test, I booked in for another intralipid straightaway and also started taking steroids. I had Intralipids every 4 weeks until 16 weeks.

My baby is being induced this Friday.🤞❤️

I can't say if it was the Intralipids or the steroids or the hydroxy... Or a mix of all of them... But it worked for me.

Good luck x