Is NK testing worth it?

[JoleneR]

I've recently had two failures using donor eggs (top and good quality, untested). I previously had 7 OE IVF cycles and 2 embryos out of 7 implanted ending in early miscarriage.

NK testing with biopsy has been suggested by my clinic. The consultant said patients who do the testing subsequently have a 50% implantation rate. I only have one good quality embryo and two average/poor remaining, and was advised only to do the testing for the sake of the good quality one.

I'm torn between wondering if I've just had bad luck with the first 2 and should try another transfer, or to test. It is a huge additional cost and will delay us a few months. There is a 20% chance my results will be normal. Also, the test results are only valid for a few months. My partner is keen to test.

I'm interested to hear other peoples' experiences with NK cell biopsy testing (not bloods), good and bad. Also from people who didn't test, but who had success with DE on the 3rd or 4th transfer. I'm starting to regret assuming DE would make things any easier!

Appreciation to all on this crazy "journey".

[Hidden]

Hope you get some replies from people with similar concerns as this Forum is a great source of support and information Also please take a look at hfea.gov.uk "Immunological tests and treatments for fertility " - may help you make a more informed choice

Look after yourself

Janet-Partner

[Lana89]

Hi lovely I’ve not done donor but was trying for years and only had success when I was put on combo of steroids blood thinners aspirin and Lubion injections as well as pessaries .

My clinics in Cyprus so I just told them I had high Nk cells even tho I’ve never been tested so they was happy to give 25 mg of steroids a day I had a double transfer they both implanted I lost one at 9’weeks but now I have a 1 yr old and I honestly don’t think it would of worked without the steroids . So I think it is worth pushing for steroids or getting your self tested it does make the difference wishing you loads of luck with your treatment what ever you decide xxx

[Arlie123]

Sorry for your losses. I haven’t done any embryo transfers yet but I’ve just done the NK testing and biopsy ahead of a transfer. I only have two euploid embryos after five rounds so was keen to do it. The NK panel is quite clever as they test your cells against a few different treatment options - eg if, interlopers or prednisolone. Mine came up that prednisolone would reduce the NK cells by the biggest margin so that’s what I’m taking. Personally I didn’t want to have any regrets especially with so few embryos so that’s been my reasoning. My biopsy came back clear so no antibiotics needed but my lactobacillus count was a little lower than optimal so they’ve got me on probiotic pessaries for a week. I did the endocrine test and NK blood panel. Given your miscarriage and implantation history personally I would do it but of course only you can decide that for you! Good luck either way! X

[Arlie123 in reply to Arlie123]

Intralipids not interlopers!!

[ch2024]

hi,

I just had the biopsy done in September after 1x chemical and 2x failed transfers. I just got my results back and typically they’re all normal so they aren’t changing anything for my next cycle. As you said it is a huge cost but I wanted to try everything and rule out any problems before proceeding with our last 2 embryos, which are now also PGTA tested.

[Doodlebug23]

My clinic didn’t advocate the tests and for my last 2 transfers put me on Bondi therapy (clexane and prednisolone) anyway, which would have been the treatment. I also was taking optibac oral probiotics. I moved straight to DE, but it took me 7 transfers of 10 embryos to get my little miracle. I also thought DE may be the magic answer, but it wasn’t straight away.

[Spicycurry]

NK cell testing in endometrium can pick up low or high nk cells. I had low nk cells in endometrium and slightly high nk cells in blood. I decided to just stick with treatment for low nk cells in endometrium. I had neupogen infusion on first day of progesterone for transfer and hcg infusion 20 minutes before transfer. I found a natural modified frozen transfer with stims more successful.

[AnotherLaura]

Good Morning Jolene, let's say you had high NK cells. What would be the harm if you had intralipid injections + blood thinners? It is my understanding that it makes your immune system less effective for 6-9 weeks. - Hidden is this something you can shed some light on? x