Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

Positive ANA Test: Is your immune system affecting your pregnancies?

ANA stands for antinuclear antibody and refers to antibodies which attach the nucleus of cells which are actually part of the person's own body and not a foreign cell. It is not uncommon for patients to be referred to our clinic with ANAs found yet no other signs of autoimmune disease, who have thus had their IVF failures or recurrent miscarriages considered inexplicable. The simple presence of ANAs, however, indicates that there is a great probability that the immune system is involved in these pregnancy losses. This is supported by the finding that populations of patients experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss have a significantly higher rate of positive ANA than the general population. The association is even higher when ANA is associated with ATA (antithyroid antibody), even when thyroid function is normal. The reason for the association is not yet entirely clear, but it is believed these antibodies may attach to the invading embryo and trigger an influx of inflammatory immune cells that set about its destruction.

Treatment for Immunological Causes of Miscarriage

It is thus critical to act on results of positive ANA and treat these patients for immune related losses in order to prevent repetitive failures in fertility treatments. There are many possible treatments, which must be carried out even if there are no other signs of an underlying autoimmune disease. Of course, if an autoimmune disease is detected, this must be treated directly, along with specific address to the patient's immune rejection of pregnancies. For comprehensive and caring assistance with your pregnancy troubles, contact our clinic. Dr. Braverman performs all his own consults and sonograms and manages all cases from start to finish. He is supported by our entire team, with the purpose of helping you resolve your difficulty and achieve a successful pregnancy.

Contact Braverman IVF & Reproductive Immunology for a full examination and treatment if you have been told you have ANAs present yet no issue with your immune system.