Link between egg quality and immunology issues

Browngal

2 Posts
Reply Posted on: Jan 9, 2015 at 5:09am
Hi, I am 35. My third try with IVF (this one using own egg and gestational carrier) was cancelled due to embryo quality issues (PGS revealed no normal embryos, though they looked good physically under the microscope), my RE suggested that donor egg might be the way to go for me. Since I am still in my mid 30s, we thought we could do another try with own eggs, and I started taking some supplements (CoQ10, Vit E, Vit C, etc.) I also decided to get a bunch of immunology testing done (previous tests had hinted at potential issues, which is why we went down to Gestational Carrier route) and the tests came back with a bunch of red flags (PAI-1 4G/5G Heterozygus mutated, borderline on APA panel, High ANA, High on NKA panel, High TH1/TH2 ratios.)

My RI has suggested a treatment protocol of Metaformin, Humeria, and IVIG for 3-4 months before transfer, continuing the same after transfer along with Lovenox.

I want to check if there is a link between egg quality and immune issues and if so, what is the treatment protocol generally, to resolve such issues.

My husband and my genetic tests are normal.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Link between egg quality and immunology issues Posted on: Jan 9, 2015 at 6:37am
That is an issue that we are looking at very carefully right now. It seems that elevated cytokines in the Follicular Fluid in patents with autoimmune issues may interfere with embryo quality . We see this most dramatically in our patients in whom we diagnose endoemetriosis and of course we find many cases of "silent" endoetriosis in our patients with autoimmune issues and suspect egg qualty . From our immune testing we have been able to "fingerprint" those that we think are at high risk , and with corrective "resective" surgery have significantly improved outcomes in these patients.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

Browngal

2 Posts
Reply RE: Link between egg quality and immunology issues Posted on: Jan 9, 2015 at 8:06am
Thanks much for the response. I haven't been diagnosed with endo. What is your definition of "silent endo"? Sounds like it might be a good idea for me to get tested for the "fingreprint" that you refer to.
Also, in your experience, what is the treatment to resolve such issues, and also the time period? Is the "resective" surgery the only way, or are treatments like IVIG also recommended in such situations?

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Link between egg quality and immunology issues Posted on: Jan 9, 2015 at 8:08am
see the endometrtiosis section on our website for the details of silent endo and how to diagnosis and treat it. But you would need both the surgery and the treatments for optimal outcome.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.