Positive ANA

jenb123

0 Posts
Reply Positive ANA Posted on: Feb 6, 2011 at 3:53pm
I have had a positive ANA for the past 15. Extensive testing 15 years ago determined that I did not have an active disease process. Have been struggling with infertility for many years. I have a history of 2 "chemical" pregnancies 3 years ago. I have a six year old who was conceived naturally after 2 years of trying while on high dose steroid therapy for a severe upper respiratory infection. I recently started with IVF treatments (just completed my second cycle). My doctors prescribed prednisone 5mg QD beginning on the first day of each cycle. First cycle no success. This past cycle we transferred 2 5 day blasts (AA and AB). Six days after transfer I started getting a faint positive on an early home pregnancy test (the next three days the line got a bit darker). Nine days post transfer I went in for my first beta which came back at a 31. I took my last prednisone dose the day before my beta, so the first question I asked was if I needed to remain on the prednisone. I was told that I no longer needed prednisone therapy. When I went in two days later for a repeat Beta my level only went up to a 32 and two days after that it was dropping. My question to you is is 5mg daily enough while going through a cycle and how long should one stay on prednisone following a positive pregnancy test and at what dose? Since this loss most of the articles I have read state you should actually increase the prednisone once pregnancy is confirmed. They also recommended that prednisone 5mg BID be used early in the cycle.

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Re: Positive ANA Posted on: Feb 6, 2011 at 5:09pm
Hi jen , very sorry for your losses

the answer on how much prednisone to be on is not to be guessed, it should be based on yoru immune profile not just the pos ANA. The dose is modied during your early pregnancy based on these results. You are correct that most times and it appears to be true in your case the dose is needed to be raised once pregnant. Also lovenox in your case if you were not on it you should have been. As you read on my site the ANA itself may be attaching to the invading trophoblast and activating your complement system which both lovenox and prednisone wouuld help.
Feel free to call me and I would be happy to review your case and recommend the correct plan for you. Fill out the online questionairre as well. I know I can help you.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.

jenb123

0 Posts
Reply Re: Positive ANA Posted on: Feb 6, 2011 at 5:45pm
Thank you so much Dr. Braverman for your quick response. I did start Lovenox once the pregnancy was confirmed. I will be obtaining all of my lab results from my doctos office this week and will fill out your online questionnaire.