immune testing for IVF failure/recurrent preg.loss?

[Anonymous]

does anyone know if dr. greenhouse @ SG will do testing for these? i.e. blood clotting disorders, antibody problems? or what else is there?
also has anyone been tested to find out that they do have an immune "disorder"?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Abbasi at Columbia Fertility believes in immune testing. Don't know about the doctors at Shady Grove. All the immune disorder stuff is very experimental and there doesn't seem to be any clear consensus among REs---some flat out don't believe in it, some believe in it and are very aggressive about treating every possible issue (the Beer Center approach) and some believe but are more cautious in treatment (e.g., Dr. Coulam at the IVF Institute in Chicago). There is a reproductive immunology listserv on yahoo that has a lot of information on the subject.

[Anonymous]

I had 3 CPs over the course of the latter part of my ART treatments (2 fresh IVFs and 3 FETs). We had 4 IUIs and many many unsuccessful cycles before we got to that stage. Before my second fresh IVF, I was given a complete immunity workup. I saw Dr. Mottla out of Annapolis. We did genetic testing and a lot of blood work. The genetic testing on my husband and myself took a long time--8 weeks I believe. I don't remember the exact names of the tests. In any event, everything came back negative. We decided that I should go on Lovenox, an injectable blood thinner, from the time of transfer, for my second fresh IVF. It couldn't hurt, was the theory, and some stuff isn't shown on tests, and some tests are 100% accurate. It was successful. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I am currently working with Dr. Greenhouse after having two back to back miscarriages, not using ART treatments. One was a chemical pregnancy and the other a missed miscarriage at 9.5 weeks. My OB suggested I see an RE. Dr. Greenhouse ran comprehensive blood tests, 15 vials of blood - ouch, and we are in the process of receiving the results. So far most have come back normal except one. I have a MTHFR gene mutation. They have already called to put me on a script for increased Folic Acid and B vitamins. I am still waiting for additional test results but I hope to start my first IVF treatment in early October. If we are successful, I will have to be put on blood thinners throughout the pregnancy due to the MTHFR mutation. If you go to SG, and have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, you should feel comortable that they will test you thoroughly prior to starting any treatments.

[Anonymous]

16:37 - op here - thank you, just what i wanted to hear. i've had 4 IUI's, 1 fresh IVF, and 1 frozen IVF (both with supposedly "outstanding" looking embryos) at other clinics - and 1 miscarriage, and 1 chemical pregnancy. i have been reading a lot about this, and am having a consult w/ greenhouse next week; hoping he will do the same for me. can't hurt right?

if you don't mind me asking - were the extra blood tests very expensive?

thanks everyone! if anyone else has any comments - please feel free to share....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:16:37 - op here - thank you, just what i wanted to hear.

op here again - i'm so sorry, that sounded totally insensitive, i meant i am glad to hear that he does the extra testing- not that you had a positive result on any of your tests - either way, i wish the best for you, and hope that you have much success this fall!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I haven't received the final bill for the blood tests yet but so far my insurance is covering most of the cost. I have Aetna and they cover the majority of the testing but I only have limited coverage for IVF. I met with other REs and none of them recommended the testing I am having done with SG. Whether positive or negative results, I feel much better having this information before I start my treatment. So far, what they have found is easily treatable but if not treated could have caused additional miscarriages.

Good luck! I hope we are both successful very soon.