Immunisation Therapy following recurrent miscarriages

[birchshade]

I have experienced 3 consecutive miscarriages - the third was a missed miscarriage at 11 wks 2 ds after a heartbeat was seen at 8 wks 2ds - and therefore arranged to see a specialist at The Portland for investigation. Test results came back normal for chromosome defects, Lupus Anticoagulant (immune system) and Anticardiolipin Antibodies (blood clotting).

Just received a negative test result for compatibility between myself and my partner, which means the controversial (LIT) Immunisation Therapy has been recommended. Apparently, if results are negative this means it 'could' be the problem rather than the 100% cause. The Portland is the only place to offer this in the UK, I am lead to believe.

I would be very interested to hear from anyone else who has gone through this treatment.

Also, before we decide to embark on this therapy, which neither myself or my partner are too happy about, I would like to know that all other possible causes have been eliminated - am wondering why I wasn't tested for hormone imbalance? This is something I need to raise with the Dr, but has anyone else found this to be the problem after suffering a miscarriage so close to the end of the first trimester?

[sotough]

hi, sorry you are going through this. i know how shit it is - i had four consecutive miscarriages, including two missed miscarriages, and it's hell.
you'll find answers to most of these questions if you trawl through the threads on the miscarriage forum on Mumsnet. i'm not sure from your post whether you have lumped together a lot of tests under general headings but there are loads of tests you can have. were you tested for Factor V Leiden, for example?
You don't say how old you are, which is relevant, or whether you have had any successful pregnancies prior to your miscarriages?
have you looked into NK cell testing? this is offered in a number of private hospitals, such as the Lister, where we had it done, and by Dr Shehata, who you will find loads of stuff about on the net. I vaguely remember hearing about LIT but i don't really know what it is. Presuming it is some version of NK cell treatment.
For this pregnancy (I am now 14 weeks, touch wood, touch wood!) i have been on steroids, for NK cells; and blood thinners for possible clotting issues, but never got a conclusive diagnosis.
we went to the Lister privately, for NK Cell testing, and i was also a patient at St Mary's recurrent miscarriage unit, through the NHS, which is well worth getting a referral for if you can.

[birchshade]

Hi, I'm 35 yrs old - had first 2 miscarriages in my early twenties, and the third one earlier this year. No children. Same partner.

I am finding all the tests a bit confusing, and have used the terms used by The Portland in their correspondence. I do know that blood clotting isn't an issue for me though. Also, just googled 'NK cell testing' and think it's to do with my immune system, which came back normal. We seem to be healthy as individuals, just not together unfortunately.

LIT is where blood is taken from my partner and the white blood cells are separated in the lab before being injected into my arm to get my immune system used to it in preparation for a growing fetus. A booster injection is sometimes required after 3 months, but it can last up to 8 months as well if you're lucky. Sounds scary!

How come you didn't get a conclusive diagnosis? Did you have the tests done? So pleased it's all going well for you this time, and thanks, I'll keep St Mary's in mind.

I wish you all the best.

[MumtoF]

So sorry, you have had a horrible time. I have had LIT. Initially diagnosed with MF so went through IVF a few times. Tried IVIG and steroids at first. Did get a positive on one cycle but was ectopic. Then had LIT and a successful 5th cycle, although better embryos so not 100% sure if it was LIT or better embryos. Thought I might as well do LIT again when trying for a sibling and am pregnant again (6th IVF cycle). Think LIT might have something to do with it and didn't really have a problem with it as husbands blood but I know a lot of people have concerns. You could try steriods and baby asprin as you can conceive naturally (I took these as well as LIT). St Marys are very scientific so they will be negative about LIT as proof is scant. If you can't get steroids from the portland then you could go and see Dr Shehata or Dr Gorgy as both are immune experts and will prescribe for recurrant miscarriage. I think the LIT is definitely worth a try but if you are not 100% comfortable with the idea then try steroids first?