Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case?

M74

4 Posts
Reply Posted on: Jun 22, 2012 at 1:20am
Hello dr. Braverman,

I have a (to me) rather delicate question. I am HSV-2 positive and I get outbreaks usually right during or after menstruation and usually around ovulation time (which is obivously bad timing ;-)).
Since I started taking Synthroid my outbreaks are less severe or do not flare up at all (although I use zovirax cream as well as if it were sun-lotion).

Besides that I have Hashimoto and low AMH.
I expect to have high NK cells as well, but don't know that yet (it is being tested in local hospital).

Of course I'm not a doctor, but all the meds that could be of help such as prednison and/or IVIG are to supress my immune system.
How dangerous can the use of these meds be in relation to being HSV-2 positive? Would those meds be contra-indicated in my situation? or is it still possible to use it?
I did read on pubmed that IVIG actually could be of help with HSV (but I think the dose was quite high).
(BTW I cannot convince my DH to do IVF so it would be ttc-only).

I have one living child (but didn't have any of the above problems) and since then several early mc (or usually only faint line with BFP).

Thanks so much in advance
Mandy

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case? Posted on: Jun 22, 2012 at 5:32am
You would need a more extensive workup than just NK cells to make a determination to use such aggressive treatments. There would be minimal risk , you could get an outbreak , but I have not had a case of systemic outbreak with our treatments.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

M74

4 Posts
Reply RE: Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case? Posted on: Jun 22, 2012 at 6:27am
Hello dr. Braverman,

Thanks for your quick response.
Actually they're checking CD 4 and CD 8 and T and B cells and cytokines as well.
I have an opportunity to get IVIG for free.
So that's where the interest comes from.

But you consider this an aggresive treatment then?

Is it possible to use other medications as well?

Thanks again

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case? Posted on: Jun 22, 2012 at 6:46am
that does not sound like a reprductive immunology screen so Im not sure what they are looking at to make the decision on how to treat you . Its important that the center that you work with trulely understands these issues completely. But yes getting IVIG is aggressive and should be reserved for those with clear evidence of need.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

M74

4 Posts
Reply RE: Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case? Posted on: Jun 25, 2012 at 2:25am
Well, they're screening me why I get these obs (or almost obs) all the time.
That was their first step. I have discussed my trouble staying pregnant with him.
I do not think he's understanding these issues completely as he primary is an immunologist but not for fertility. So that is keeping me worried. What kind of things do I need to get tested?

I have been feeling "a hopeless case this last year" and wanted to know if it would be okay to take medication at all in my situation or not. You have made me a little more happy by saying you haven't had trouble with patients when giving medication such as IVIG or prednison.
Do you think I would be able to get pregnant (and stay it?).

Thanks again.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Is it possible to use prednison or IVIG in my case? Posted on: Jun 25, 2012 at 5:47am
you should be able to get pregnant with proper treatment , which as we discussed requires the proper workup . Immunologists would not know what to look for in relation to your fertility , but by treating what they know is wrong sometimes they do help your fertility situation.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.