Abnormal Natural Killer Cells- Anyone experienced this??

[mysteq]

After loosing 4 pregnancies and 6 babies, having done every test under the sun - which have all come back normal.. I decided to see an IVF professor who has done loads of research into recurrent miscarriage.

My tests that he did included several blood clotting, Natural Killer (NK)cells, thyroid etc etc The NK Cell test came back with all normal NK cells except the activated NK cells... Normal range is <12 and mine was 20.3

Has anyone else had results like this?

 

[popchick75]

Yes. But there are 2 different type of NK cells tests. One is a general test that is usually done in conjunction (same blood draw) with other tests in your doctors office. The one that will really give you some really good information is a completely different test. It has to be drawn separately and sent overnight to a special lab (I believe there are only 2-3 of them in the US right now) and generally takes 3+ weeks to get results. It will give you a whole series of numbers. Mine were:

17.5
12.3
8.2
16.0
10.4
8.4

The first 3 measurements are the ones that are the most predictive of your actual levels.

I think the reasoning behind doing the basic one over the more accurate one is usually cost. The second test isn't covered by insurance and is around $300.

 

[mysteq]

Thanks Popchick

Yes my NK cells were ok just the Activated NK cells they are the abnormal ones. Sorry forgot to write the activated ones!
Im in Australia and the test cost my $175.

I've done some reading and I believe this can be treated with clexane injections and a steroid tab. I also found out i have intermediate hypothyroidism. Apparently there are links to both?? Not too sure. Going to see my gyno in 2 weeks.

Thanks anyway

 

[grassgreener]

I just read about this and wondered if anybody else knew about it. I'm in Dubai though and don't know if these tests are available here. They just want to push you into Ivf straight away.
https://blog.ivf.com.au/natural-killer-cells-emerging-possibility

 

[popchick75]

I just read about this and wondered if anybody else knew about it. I'm in Dubai though and don't know if these tests are available here. They just want to push you into Ivf straight away.
https://blog.ivf.com.au/natural-killer-cells-emerging-possibility

The only way to treat NK cells is by a combination of steriods and intralipids. IVF won't work without treatment.

 

[popchick75]

Thanks Popchick

Yes my NK cells were ok just the Activated NK cells they are the abnormal ones. Sorry forgot to write the activated ones!
Im in Australia and the test cost my $175.

I've done some reading and I believe this can be treated with clexane injections and a steroid tab. I also found out i have intermediate hypothyroidism. Apparently there are links to both?? Not too sure. Going to see my gyno in 2 weeks.

Thanks anyway

From what I understand, they use the clexane injections in Australia because intralipids aren't available there. You would have to go outside the country for treatment.