Chemical pregnancy on NK cell treatment - what next?

[Lily1990]

Hi everyone, I am feeling a bit lost & confused and wondered if anyone may be able to offer some advice.

I’m currently going through a chemical pregnancy which is my 5th loss in 1.5 years and first loss on Dr Shehata’s complex plan for high NK cells. My other losses have been at 8.5 weeks and then 4 between 4-6 weeks. Being on prednisolone this time, I thought things would be different but this pregnancy lasted no longer than the others.

I wondered if others have had losses on Dr Shehata’s plan or similar and might have advice? I’m currently thinking about 3 potential options:

1. Try again (naturally) on an amended treatment plan with Dr S. I’ve read he prescribes hydroxy to people who miscarry on pred so maybe this will help? Also i was only taking 15mg of pred which they said was suitable as I’m quite small but maybe they’ll increase as the standard dose is 25mg? This would be the cheapest/easiest plan but worried something else is going on and it will happen again.

2. Do more extensive tests with Dr Gorgy (eg uterine NK cells, LADs, uterine infections, EMMA/ALICE etc). This would be expensive and delay TTC again (as I believe uterine NK cells must be tested at least 6 weeks after the last miscarriage) but it may give a more complete picture and avoid future losses. Partner not keen on this option though due to costs.

3. Try IVF with genetic testing. We usually conceive quite easily so have been told IVF is a waste of money and time, but I’m wondering if having more control over the process (hormones etc) and only putting in genetically normal embryos will reduce the risk of miscarriage. We may be able to get one round free through my partner’s health insurance.

I’ve had the NHS RM tests and all were clear except PCOS which I’m taking metformin for. I’m 32 and been taking coq-10 for a year so wouldn’t necessarily expect egg quality to be poor unless it’s badly affected by my PCOS. My partner’s sperm and dna frag is all fine.

If anyone can offer any advice or insights I’d be super grateful. I’ve also posted this question on the NK cells thread but thought starting a thread would be useful to reach people who aren’t on that thread.

Lily xx

I’m so sorry for your losses!

I know this post was quite some time ago but I just wanted to ask you if there had been any updates? Currently going through my 5th loss and not sure what more testing to do xx

Hello @AB12393 I am so sorry you are going through your 5th loss. I went for option 1 (added hyroxychloroquine and increased to 20mg of prednisone) and am now 36 weeks pregnant! I was totally amazed that the hydroxy and extra pred seemed to work in getting me past the early stage where I usually had my losses. Are you with Dr Shehata or having immune treatment? I wish you all the best xx

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me! Also massive congratulations on your pregnancy - such lovely news after such a difficult road.

I haven’t had any immune treatment or testing. I’m finding it quite overwhelming as we’re just not sure what could be the problem and there just seems to be so many tests to consider - plus the costs!

I’ve had the standard RM clinic testing - all came back fine with my bloods and scan. I also tried progesterone, high strength folic acid and baby aspirin for this pregnancy but no luck. I am currently awaiting on our karyotyping results and my partner is having the DNA fragmentation test next week.

I have looked into the NK cells and Dr Shehata but their clinic is too far away for us unfortunately. Can I ask did you have your NK cells measured via a blood test or uterine test? There is a clinic closer to me who offer the blood test and I’m wondering if this would be worthwhile.

does the hydroxy and pred help with NK cells?

Sorry for all the questions - we are just at a loss as to what to do next! Thank you again for your response, and wishing you all the best xx

Thanks so much! I’d definitely recommend NK cell testing, especially as the standard tests you had done came back normal. And based on the success rates of Dr Shehata’s clinic, it seems that a lot of women with recurrent miscarriage seem to have high NK cells. So I think it’s worth prioritising those tests over other tests offered which might seem similarly niche!

I had the blood tests done yes. There seems to be debate around whether blood or uterine are better but Dr Shehata recommends the blood tests and also they are practically easier than the uterine ones.

Yep hydroxy and pred help with high NK cells, they modulate and dampen their activity so the embryo doesn’t get attacked and killed off by them. I didn’t have any side effects from these medications so it was a very positive experience.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions xx