Do I Need DQ-Alpha/HLA Testing?

Dee

3 Posts
Reply Posted on: Apr 15, 2012 at 8:31pm
Hi,

I am 45 and have experienced six losses in the past two years. Four chemical pregnacies and two m/c's at 8-9 weeks after IVF. First m/c was shown to be a trisomy and second m/c was likley the same as Dr.'s noted abnormal growth at alI stages. I am moving onto donor eggs. I did an immune protocol of predisone, lovenox (also compound hetero for MTHFR) and intralipids for my last IVF which resulted in a m/c. I have had immune testing and am negative for all except for NK cells which are slightly elevated at 15.9. The only immune testing that I have not done is DQ-ALpha and HLA testing. Given my age and experiences we are pretty sure that my issue is pretty much old eggs. I plan to do the same immune protocol as I did before with my first DE cycle. Given this situation, do you think there would be any reason at all to test for DQ-Alpha nd HLA matches? Would the current immune treatment that I intend to do be sufficient if there were an issue? Does the fact that I have had implantation make it less likely that I have a match with DH that is causing an issue? Thanks.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Do I Need DQ-Alpha/HLA Testing? Posted on: Apr 17, 2012 at 6:36am
As most immune panels do not look at all the cells that we do here , it is hard to give you an opinion based on your history whether your immune treatment is sufficent. NK cells alone(and 15.9 depends on whcih lab you used as well) cant give you the answer and DQ alpha alone also is not reliable.
I do agree with you that prior to any DE cycle all your immune issues should be resolved and the immune protocol tailored to all of your findings.

Lastly I never like to withdraw care until Im sure not "pretty sure" that the old eggs are the issue. there are many new treatments we have been using for these issues as well.

I would be happy to assist you in any way. Feel free to call my office and schedule a telephone or skype consultation.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.