Why am I being prescribed Intralipids
For some the reason that you may miscarry maybe because you have a slightly overactive immune system meaning your body actually could kill the embryo.
For me as I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, I have been diagnosed with Natural killer (NK) cells.
In women who have autoimmune issues, like me who has been diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome the NK cells can react abnormally to an implanting embryo, treating it as an invading cell for the body to attack it. I must make this point that I only found out that I had these conditions whilst being tested after several miscarriages and I really feel that it’s so important for women like me to have these tests so you know your having the correct protocol for your cycle.
Intralipids have been shown to lower the activity of the NK cells component immune system. Studies have found that intralipids can help to regulate the NK cells, allowing the embryo to implant on the uterine wall and grow normally. New research has suggested that women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or multiple failed IUI or IVF cycles as a result of NK cell activation may benefit from the use of intralipids. Immune treatments, including intralipids, are not recommended for all patients, should only be performed with professionals. This is a controversial topic currently not evidence based. However I’ve spoken to so many women like me who have had miscarriages and then went on to having babies and I also spoke to Doctor Venkat about this and she has had so many patients that have failed elsewhere. She then prescribed them Intralipids and steroids and they went onto having beautiful babies.
So what is it like having intralipids? As mentioned Friday 18th September was a crazy day. After all the different treatments (which you read on the two blog links below).
https://www.ivfchasingdreams.com/post/i-had-a-a-endometrial-scratch-and-saline-hysterogram
https://www.ivfchasingdreams.com/post/the-start-of-baby-reid
Well firstly it’s important to talk about why I’m in Isolation. Intralipids have a suppressive action on the immune system, which is one of the reasons I have to isolate away from everyone due to Covid. Not everyone needs intralipid therapy But as I’ve mentioned if you have had recurrent miscarriages it maybe the route your clinic will go down. The effects of overactive natural killer cells means women struggle with either implantation or the ability to maintain an early pregnancy (which has been my problem in the past).
I was administered an IV with solution containing 10% soybean oil, 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids, 2.25% gylcerine and water. The essential fatty acids in the solution help to lower the natural killer cells. I was put in private a room and was prepped for my intralipid treatment. Intralipids was then inserted into a vein in my hand by a IV drip, I then had to sit back relax and wait for 1.5 hours whilst the treatment went through my body. I will be doing this treatment every 10 days for now and when I’m pregnant this will be once a month till I’m 28 weeks pregnant. After the 28 weeks mark my baby will be strong enough to grow on her/his own.
Keep up to date with my blogs, feel free to watch my YouTube channel and subscribe. I will be vlogging some great content including Alex and Harley Street Fertility Clinic www.hsfc.org.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmiFkld8baQdOyAPbfF_bw
Love and light,
N
XoXo