Multiple GS's with DQ Match

Courtney

2 Posts
Reply Posted on: Feb 5, 2015 at 10:21am
Hello Dr. Braverman,I don’t know if I’m the first one to pose this situation to you but here it goes. We have two CGH tested embryos left and have searched for over a year now to try to find a gestational surrogate who does not having a matching DQ alpha to my husband. You see, I have severe endometriosis and have been through six unsuccessful IVF transfers with my own body. I did an extensive immunological panel years ago and had quite a few issues present in that analysis. I have tried pretty much every protocol out there, including Intralipids, but to no avail. This being said, a gestational surrogate is our only option.The irony of our situation is that some couples seek a surrogate because they themselves have matching DQ genes, but we are the exact opposite. We cannot find a surrogate who does NOT have a matching DQ (several women already)--and we are simply running out of time and energy to keep going down this path. We have met a woman whom we trust immensely and would love to carry our baby for us. However, she is a DQ match to my husband at 4.1. We are being advised to test for NK cell activity but it seems NK activity is the norm. A few questions:

  • What do you think our chances of success would be should we proceed with a transfer of one embryo and use Intralipids?
  • Have you ever seen a couple test so many surrogates and they all matched? I thought the chances of a match was extremely rare?
  • Are there any additional tests you would advise? She is a healthy 27 yr old with three children who carried surrogate twins two years ago free of complications. I would hate to put her through a complete analysis that would require multiple vials of blood. She has already been gracious enough to agree to do Intralipids for us.

Thank you for your time!
Courtney

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Multiple GS's with DQ Match Posted on: Feb 6, 2015 at 1:01pm
There is absolutely NO reason to cancel a surrogate due to DQ alpha matching. Please read my blogs on this topic, it is completely wrong and unfounded. No need for testing at all if you like her and she is healthy go and do the transfer.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

Courtney

2 Posts
Reply RE: Multiple GS's with DQ Match Posted on: Feb 6, 2015 at 1:45pm
I'm happy by your response, to say the least. To expand on that:

-Would you recommend she take Intralipids?

-Would you suggest transferring only one of the remaining embryos?

-Have you seen much success with 4.1 matches if there are no known immunological issues?

Thank you again!
Courtney

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Multiple GS's with DQ Match Posted on: Feb 6, 2015 at 1:55pm
Best for you to just understand there is no such thing as DQalpha mathcing as a cuase of problems, so of course then no need for single embryo transfers and no need for intralipids. Please read my blog on this topic it will be more clear to you.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.