Natural Killer (NK) Cells Blood Test (Implantation Failure)

Has anyone had the natural killer cells test because of multiple implantation failure?

We've now had 4 failed ICSI cycles with 7 embryos. Consultant doesn't seem to encourage any tests and just says it's to do with embryo even though top quality on day 3 transfers.

I know they might be right but what if there is more to it

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, yes I had my immunology panel tested. It showed high NK cells and an elevated immune system. I've had 4 failed FETs and one fresh chemical.... so after this we also did PGS testing and 6 of our 8 came back normal, so I do think that the NK cells are likely playing a part here. The evidence seems sketchy as I don't think there has been enough controlled research done on it, but personally I'll give anything a go at this stage!! Good luck xx

[Krystal_43 in reply to Millbanks]

So pleased to hear about your 6 euploid embryos Millibanks. What a haul! I have everything crossed for your next transfer.

[Millbanks in reply to Krystal_43]

Thank you so much! Absolutely floored by the result!! Fingers crossed hey.How are you getting on with your testing? xxx

[Krystal_43 in reply to Millbanks]

I went down the uterine biopsy route, which had a 3 month wait at the university (means my womb lining will be used for studies on this so helping science too!) . Testing has started so I’ll be getting two biopsies over the next two months, then when I get results we’ll start a new round now. Been really nice taking a fertility break & have wine without guilt. Getting sperm dna testing done this month too.

[Millbanks in reply to Krystal_43]

Brilliant - it's a good idea to explore these things for sure. I hear you on the break - it's needed more than we know! best of luck lovely xxx

[lnf17 in reply to Millbanks]

Hi Millbanks, do you mind me asking where you got your NK testing carried out & was it expensive? I’m in Scotland & have not been able to find much information on where to get this done. Many thanks xx

[Millbanks in reply to lnf17]

Sure! It was at my clinic in London - they did the bloods and sent them off to Chicago for testing (the blood panel is called the Chicago bloods). It was pretty pricey to be honest - £1k, but 100% worth it for me. Your clinic should be able to advise you if they can at least take the bloods and send them off - or suggest somewhere else to go otherwise. Cinderella5 - are you able to advise at all? xx

[lnf17 in reply to Millbanks]

Many thanks. Might look into this over the summer. I have immune issues so always wonder if this might be playing a factor xx

[Millbanks in reply to lnf17]

I would say it's likely!

[Hidden in reply to Millbanks]

Wow! Great results Millbanks!

[Millbanks in reply to Hidden]

Aww thank you lovely - hope you're doing well! xx

[Zebedee1971]

Hi,I just had my baby on Monday after 3 years of heartbreak and pain. I saw a specialist in epsom, Surrey, and his meds were the only thing that ever got us a heartbeat. I met so many women at his clinic who were the same as me, the treatment does work. Please do get a specialist to look into it: there's 3 renowned in the UK - doctor shehata, doctor gorgy and doctor quenby. All are experts in the field. Don't listen to ivf doctors. That's like asking a brain surgeon to advise on ansethetism - ivf doctors really don't know enough about it to give good advice, they know enough but aren't experts. Good luck xx

[XOXO13]

I’ve also had my immunology panel explored after three unsuccessful transfers (last one ending in CP) and my NK cells came back elevated so I’m on intrapilids and dexamethasone for my transfer that’s tomorrow in the hope it makes a difference. I was also told it’s likely an embryo issue as even the best quality embryos fail to implant, but I always get great quality embryos with 100 percent fertilisation and i’m also “young” so I don’t fully trust that it’s just an embryo issue. I had to move clinics to have this test done, and I chose a clinic who specialise in the treatment of those who have experienced recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure.

It is expensive, I think I paid £1,300 but I feel grateful that I’ve had the test and that we are trying something different ahead of this next transfer xxx

[Wonder_Dog in reply to XOXO13]

Hey there! I have also had recurrent implantation failure and have high NK cells. Cani ask - what dosage of steroids were you on, what day in your cycle did you start taking them, and for how long? Thanks! XPs I’ve just read you’re pregnant with twins - Congratulations!!!!!

[XOXO13 in reply to Wonder_Dog]

Thank you ☺️

I can’t remember what dose I started on, sorry! But after transfer I was on 0.5mg of dexamethasone so a low dose everyday. I started them on my first day of Stims as well, so from the very beginning of treatment for my fresh transfer. I had intrapilids one week before transfer and then at 5 weeks!

Best of luck to you 🍀 xxx

[HemBella]

I've also had recurrent implantation failure, having never had a BFP.My embryos are genetically tested so I know the problem isnt there.

I echo what the other ladies have said - I'd give anything a go at this stage!! I've had the Chicago tests done, where they take 8 vials of blood and it goes to Chicago for the testing.

I've also had some other tests done, my clinic calls them Level 1 and Level 2 tests.

The results have showed high NK cells, problems with blood clotting, and my body is in a state of inflammation with my TH1/TH2 cells being out of balance. So I'm trying new things with this protocol including heparin, steroids and intralipid infusions to suppress the immune system and NK cells. My transfer is hopefully next week so will soon know whether its made a difference

If you want an interesting read about immune therapy and IVF I would recommend "Is your body baby friendly?" by Alan Beer xx

[Mamatripplet]

I've done 5 icsi cycles and 2 fets(7 transfers in total). All top grade blastocysts(only 5AA and AB grades). On my 7th transfer, which was successful, my RE decided to place me on steroids(without testing). That was about the only thing we did differently. Today, I am 9weeks 5days pregnant. It goes without saying that my implantation failures could be linked to my immune system fighting implantation.

[Hidden]

Thank you for everyone's comments. I've booked the implantation screening test for nk cells (chicago) and immune tests on the 26th October.

We've only got one cycle left on our Access Fertility package so need to make sure we've tried everything we can.

We're not sure if we'd be able to do anymore rounds if this one doesn't work because of the cost.

Keeping everything crossed that these tests will give us some answers

🤞

[Hidden]

I thought tests were expensive but it seems my clinic is cheaper than some places then because they're charging £750 for both the nk cells and immune tests. It seems unfair how much prices vary.

[K8dferXdder]

Hi all, I am thinking to re-test my NK cells with blood test. I’ve tested once abroad and it came elevated but I tested in the phase close to having my period. I am going to travel soon again and I am keen to test again at different days throughout my cycle. When do you think is the most accurate result? Do you have any knowledge from your clinics that you can share? Thanks 😊

[Hidden in reply to K8dferXdder]

I'm not sure because I didn't have blood test at a specific time in cycle as wasn't needed. If it was me then I would just request NK cell treatment on next cycle and see if consultant will do that without more tests because you've already had tests in past showing elevation.

[Hidden]

My results came back as elevated so will be having treatment next cycle. Has anyone had the intrepid infusions?