100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers

Samttc4y

4 Posts
Reply 100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers Posted on: Nov 7, 2011 at 4:04am
Hi Dr. Braverman,
I am so glad to have found your discussion boards. I am hoping that we might be able to get some advice from you/ or a second opinion. I appologize for this lengthy message...I am just exicted at the chance to talk with you. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over 4 years. We started with ovulations kits, then Clomid x 7 cycles, then 3 IVF and 2 FET (all negative..except first FET was chemical pregnancy). With every failed cycle the RE would say "I don't know why you are not getting pregnant", they could not find anything wrong, as to all tests were normal (good response to stimulation, good embryo quality, uterine lining biopsy, etc.). Due to a family history of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (mother and uncle) I would ask if we needed to look into immune issues, NK cells, etc. That clinic tested me for APL (basic panel) and was negative and said that NK cell is controversial and they didn't look into it or think it was important, they would not explore any other avenues. They just wanted to keep trying..because "nothing was wrong".
We consulted with Dr.Sher and had lab work done. He said we were a complete DQ alpha match and that NK cells were activated and the only option for us is to use a gestational surrogate or donor sperm. He said that even if I was to take lots of suppression medication I would probably only have a 5% chance. We recently saw a new RE in Beverly Hills that is highly regarded and decided to start this new journey with. He basically told us that he disagreed with Dr. Sher and that I should get a second opinion from an immunologist that they work with. (I looked up their immunologist and they specialize in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc..no mention of reproductive immunology). This new RE feels that I just need to do genetic testing on my embryos..and that there is no issue regarding the HLA DQ alpha. (due to a new endometrial biopsy for integrins that was normal, and normal lab work for their "implantation failure" panel (which was no where as extensive as the lab work performed through Dr. Sher)
So then I just found your site and would like to know if you felt gestational surrogacy is our only option...we are so overwhelmed by the potential cost of surrogacy and would like to know if this our only option. . I believe we have 6 HLA matching..including Dq alpha match. Also intermediate Anticardiolipin IgM (level 13).
Thank you very much for your time.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Re: 100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers Posted on: Nov 9, 2011 at 1:50am
ok this is a difficult situation when you have more than 5 HLA matches. REs are correct when they say there is no good evidence about "NK" cells because you can not make a diagnosis of immune issues by just looking at one cell, but many with limited experience in immunology will only test these cells not knowing they alone are of no value. I need to see the full panel of immune tests that were performed. The good news is I have been very successful at treating this condition and rarely do these patients of mine have to go on to surrogacy! If you look through my patient experiences topic you'll see quite a few of them. (And Im sure they would be happy to speak with you).

Please call me and schedule a consultation , I would be happy to share these cases with you, and guide you in your treatment. Do not despair, this can be treated.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

Samttc4y

4 Posts
Reply Re: 100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers Posted on: Nov 9, 2011 at 3:11am
Thank you so much for your response. I will call to schedule a consult right away. It is so encouraging to hear there may be hope.

Samttc4y

4 Posts
Reply Re: 100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers Posted on: Nov 9, 2011 at 6:21pm
I called today and we have a phone consultation scheduled for 11/29 (I am anxiously waiting ). Since I will not be able to speak to you till then, I was wondering if you had some recommendations on Reproductive Endocrinologists in California (central /southern california) that are willing and open to working with you and your treatment recommendations. I do not feel comfortable working with my prior two REs in California, due to their view points regarding immune issues and lack of knowledge in that area, and I don’t think they would be accepting of the treatment options. We would like to find an RE that will be willing to work with you and your future treatment plan for us in case traveling to New York for an IVF cycle is not possible. If you have any recommendations I would be very grateful.
Thank you
Sam

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Re: 100% DQ alpha match..looking for answers Posted on: Nov 10, 2011 at 4:31am
I am sure I can recommend an RE for you. Let me look into that area. Im sorry it is so difficult for you to get cooperation.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.