Recurrent IVF failure
The tests that can be done in cases of recurrent IVF failure/failed IVF/implantation failure
What are the of recurrent implantation failures?
An embryo may not implant either because there is something wrong with the embryo itself that it can’t implant, or there is something in the uterine environment that doesn’t allow a normal embryo to implant.
- Problems with the embryo
The most common abnormality found in pre-implantation embryos is an abnormal chromosome complement. Data from preimplantation genetic diagnosis suggest that 30% to 90% of in vitro fertilized eggs depending on maternal age are chromosomally abnormal. Furthermore, it has been estimated that 75% of karyotypically normal pre-implantation embryos fail to implant. Other than chromosomal abnormalities, problems with the pregnancies can include abnormal genes or abnormal DNA contributing to their losses. While mutations in HLA G genes have been associated with post-implantation recurrent pregnancy loss, secretion of soluble HLA G protein by pre-implantation embryos has been used to predict implantation potential of in vitro fertilized eggs before embryo transfer into the uterus. Fragmented DNA from the sperm has also been associated with poor embryo quality and implantation failure.
- Problems within the uterus
Problems within the uterine environment that inhibits the embryo from implanting have been classified as anatomic, hormonal and immunologic.
a. Anatomic abnormalities are lesions inside the uterus that mechanically inhibit implantation. These anatomic abnormalities act like an intrauterine device to prevent implantation of the embryo and include:
- Endometrial polyps-- benign outgrowths of the uterine lining that protrude into the uterine cavity)
- Submucous fibroids – benign tumors of the uterine wall that protrude into the uterine cavity
- Uterine synechia - scarring or adhesions inside the uterine cavity
b. Hormonal responses of the lining of the uterus to both estrogen and progesterone are necessary for the uterus to be receptive to the embryo. Mutations in some of the genes encoding for the progesterone receptor have been associated with recurrent implantation failure.
c. Immunologic mechanisms involved in implantation are being identified. The uterus as well as the embryo has to be made amenable (receptive) to implantation. Uterine receptivity requires continuous interactions between the embryo and the mother. These interactions are communicated through proteins known as cytokines. Cytokines are secreted by the cells within the uterine lining including the immune cells. During the pre-implantation period preparation of the uterine lining for implantation involves stimulation expression of adhesion systems that hold the embryo to the uterus. If the immune cells don’t send proper signals through secretion of appropriate cytokines to the embryo or if these cells don’t respond to signals from the embryo, then adhesion and thus subsequent implantation will not occur.
How can we the cause of recurrent implantation failures?
Establishing the correct diagnosis is an important component in treating couples
with reproductive failure. Recurrent implantation failure occurs after fertilization and prior to implantation . Thus it can be the consequence of problems within the egg or the sperm that gives rise to an embryo that it can’t implant or problems within uterine lining that don’t allow an otherwise normal embryo to implant.
Problems within the egg can manifest clinically as diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure. Diagnostic tests useful in identifying individuals at greater risk for diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure include:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol and inhibin B-- Ovarian Reserve describes the ovary's capacity to respond to gonadotropin stimulation by producing a sufficient number of good quality eggs capable of generating normal embryos. Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) serum concentration provides a new measure of ovarian reserve to accompany the measurement of day 3 Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol (E2) concentrations. Since AMH is secreted by granulosa cells, it is a more direct measurement of assessing follicular function than FSH.
- Antiovarian Antibodies (AOA) - Anti-Ovarian Antibodies (AOA) have been reported in women with premature ovarian failure, low ovarian reserve and unexplained infertility. Among women with infertility, those with evidence of ovarian autoimmunity appear to have poorer in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes than women without antiovarian antibodies. Both reduced responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation and reduced pregnancy rates are observed in women with ovarian antibodies. Women with antiovarian antibodies are less likely to become pregnant after IVF/ET than women without antiovarian antibodies. The predictive value of a positive antiovarian antibody for poor pregnancy outcome after IVF/ET is 82%.
Problems within the sperm not diagnosed by the standard parameters of semen analysis can be detected by:
- Sperm DNA Integrity assay (DNA fragmentation) -- Results of recent research indicate that sperm quality influences not only rates of fertilization of eggs but also subsequent embryo development. In humans, these paternal effects have been shown to affect rates of embryo cleavage, blastocyst formation and implantation. The markers of sperm quality used to predict pregnancy outcome are not the parameters included in the standard semen analysis (sperm concentration, motility or morphology), but rather the results of the Sperm DNA Integrity assay that measures DNA damage in sperm reported as DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA staining (HDS).
- Y chromosome microdeletion assay -- Microdeletions in the Y chromosome is a genetic condition that results in no or very low sperm counts. Estimates report that one out of five or 20% of men with no or very low sperm counts have one or more microdeletions. It is important to identify individuals who have Y chromosome deletions because these deletions are transmissible by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Problems within the uterine environment in that result in failure of implantation of an embryo giving appropriate signals have been classified as anatomic, hormonal and immunologic.
Anatomic abnormalities of the uterus can be diagnosed by:
- Hysterosonography (ultrasound evaluation of the uterus after fluid is injected) or
- Hysterosalpingography (x-ray with instillation of dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes) or
- Hysteroscopy (telescopic evaluation of the uterine cavity)
Hormonal response of the uterus can be diagnosed with the aid of the ultrasound:
- Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the lining of the uterus around the time of ovulation
- Color Doppler flow studies to evaluate blood flow to the lining of the uterus
Immunologic malfunction can be diagnosed with immunologic testing. Such tests include:
- Antiphospholipid Antibody (APA) Panel-Antiphospholipd antibodies have been shown to kill pre-implantation embryos
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Panel-Antinuclear antibodies have also been shown to be embryotoxic
- Antithyroid Antibody (ATA) Panel-Antithyroid antibodies have no direct effect on pre-implantation embryos, but are a marker of activated T cells in the lining of the uterus
- Reproductive Immunophenotype (RIP)-measures circulating levels of NK cells. Elevation of circulating NK cells may be associated with implantation failure
- Natural Killer cell Activity (NKa) assay-measures killing activity with NK cells. Elevated NK killing activity (greater than 10%) has been suggested to be associated with implantation failure
- NK cell (CD56) numbers in endometrium, during the implantation of the embryo are increased in women who have recurrent implantation failures or miscarriages.
- Embryotoxicity Assay (ETA)-measures circulating substances that kill preimplantation embryos
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) Panel-Elevated levels of immunoglobulin, particularly immunoglobulin M, have been associated with implantation failure. Also the immunoglobulin panel will detect deficiencies in IgA which can be a contraindication to the use of IVIg if anti IgA antibodies are present.
How can we recurrent implantation failure?
Treatment of recurrent implantation failure is dependent on the cause. If the cause of the loss lies within the embryo itself, the options for treatment include:
- Donor sperm, egg or embryo
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Treatment of problems within the uterine environment vary with the cause. Anatomic abnormalities are removed surgically. Hormonal therapy is usually prescribed with assisted reproductive technology procedures.
Immunologic problems are treated with immunotherapy. Treatments that have been shown to be effective for treatment of recurrent pre-implantation pregnancy loss include:
What immunological treatments are offered?
Treatments that may be beneficial include:
- high-dose steroids
- intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
- tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF) blocking agents
These treatments are not licensed for use in reproductive medicine. As with all medical interventions they carry risks and potential side effects. If you wish to consider having these treatments you will be given further information and asked to sign a consent form.
What are unlicensed medicines?
An unlicensed medicine is one that does not have a product license. For example:
- If only a very small number of people would use a medicine, there may be little commercial interest in marketing that medicine in the UK.
- You may have agreed to receive an unlicensed medicine as part of a clinical trial.
- The medicine may be waiting for approval from the MHRA.
- Your doctor may prescribe your medicine in a form that’s not readily available, for example, to be made up as a special preparation by your local pharmacy.
- Your doctor may prescribe a liquid medicine that’s only licensed in tablet form.
A good example for an unlicensed product which is widely prescribed is the vaginal progesterone that we regularly use following an IVF cycle. The particular brand of pesseries that is used in most clinics in the UK is not licensed for use in IVF or pregnancy. Although other brands with the same/similar ingredients are licensed.
For more information please check NHS http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1004.aspx?CategoryID=73&SubCategoryID=101
Corticosteroids are a type of drug (a synthetic hormone) that can suppress immune responses, and are routinely used in the treatment of arthritis, asthma and other autoimmune disorders.
However, there is no proven advantage in using steroids in the first three months of pregnancy, and the risks to you and your baby outweigh any possible benefits. The National Teratology Information Service recommends that pregnant women avoid all drugs at this stage unless they are likely to benefit your health. The Committee on Safety of Medicines says that corticosteroids taken in pregnancy can carry a small risk of poor fetal growth, though there is little other risk to the fetus.
A clinical trial in Canada tested the effect of giving pregnant women, who had previously suffered two or more unexplained miscarriages, a corticosteroid (prednisolone). The study found that prednisolone did not prevent miscarriage, and increased the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and premature birth.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is the only medication that has been shown in randomized placebo controlled trials to be effective in the treatment of implantation failure (Heilmann et al, 2010; Winger et al, 2009). The usual dosage for implantation failure is 40mg prior to embryo transfer and 40mg after the first positive pregnancy test. In some instances it may be necessary to repeat IVIg infusions every three to four weeks until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.
IVIg is made from antibodies extracted from the blood plasma of many different donors. It is mainly given by intravenous drip as a treatment for immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases. It carries varied and sometimes unpredictable risks: Side effects can include headache, muscle pain, fever, chills, low back pain, thrombosis (blood clots), kidney failure and anaphylaxis (a bad reaction to the drug), though these effects are generally mild and occur in less than one in 20 patients.
Because immunoglobulins come from donor blood, there is the possibility of introducing blood-borne infections, such as hepatitis, HIV or CJD. IVIg contains antibodies. During pregnancy, antibodies cross the placenta into the bloodstream of the fetus. Therefore, in theory, IVIg antibodies could enter the fetal bloodstream, where they might react against some of the baby´s cells. However, this has not been seen in practice.
A detailed review of the risks associated with IVIg states "the practitioner considering IVIG for an unproven use must seriously weigh the potential benefit versus potential harm because of its varying and sometimes unpredictable immunomodulatory effects".
TNF-a blocking agents
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a chemical produced by immune system cells, such as NK cells, which promotes inflammation and allows the immune system to attack the source of infections. TNF-a blocking agents are drugs used to block the effect of TNF - stopping inflammation but making the attack on infection less effective - and are routinely used in the treatment of arthritis, asthma and other immune disorders. There is evidence to suggest that treatment with TNF-a blocking agents improves pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF treatment (Clark, 2010; Winger et al, 2009).
Several clinics offer the use of TNF-a blocking agents (Enovel, Remicade and Humira). However, there are risks: The makers of Remicade (infliximab) warn that using it may increase the risk of septicaemia; chronic infections such as tuberculosis; cancer of the lymphatic system; liver problems; white blood cell disorders; and strong reactions to the drug.
The British National Formulary says infliximab should not be used in pregnancy.
Humira (adalimumab) is not licensed for use in implantation failure (when the embryo fails to embed itself in the lining of the womb). Its effects on reproduction and fetal development are unknown.
Evidence from both animal and human studies suggest that intralipid administered intravenously may enhance implantation (Roussev et al, 2008). Intralipid is a 20% intravenous fat emulsion used routinely as a source of fat and calories for patients requiring parental nutrition. It is composed of 10% soybean oil, 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids, 2.25% gylcerine and water. Intralipid stimulated the immune system to remove “danger signals” that can lead to pregnancy loss. The appeal of Intralipid lies in the fact that it is relatively inexpensive and is not a blood product.
The phosphodiesterases are responsible for enzymatic degradation of molecules within the cells involved in generating energy for the cell to function. They have anti-inflammatory effects. Two phosphodiesterase inhibitors—Sildenfil (Viagra) and Pentoxiphylline (Trental) have been shown to increase blood flow to the uterus. Viagra in the form of vaginal suppositories given in the dosage of 25 mg four times a day has been shown to increase uterine blood flow as well as thickness of the uterine lining. Significant improvement of the thickness of the uterine lining in about 70% of women treated. Successful pregnancy resulted in 42% of women who had previously experienced repeated IVF failures and who responded to the Viagra. Similar results were obtained when Trental was used in 400mg twice a day doses alone with vitamin E to treat women experiencing implantation failure associated with thin endometrium and elevated uterine NK cells. Efficacy of pentoxifylline for treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss in human beings remains to be established.
What evidence is there to show these treatments work?
These tests and treatments are very new. They are based on claims that women who have repeated miscarriages or failed IVF had raised levels of NK cells in the blood; and on studies of pregnancies in these women after being treated with IVIg. However, the research studies may not be valid because of the differences between blood NK and uterine NK cells. And because the sample of patients was small, there are doubts about the value of the research results.
Three additional trials have suggested that IVIg may help prevent miscarriage. But the evidence is limited and the results of the studies are not conclusive due to relatively small number of patients that took part and the fact that their treatments varied.
To date there is no conclusive scientific evidence that these treatments are effective in improving your chance of having a baby. Limited evidence currently available is disputed by clinicians and experts.
Professional guidance suggests that you should only be offered these therapies as part of clinical trials that are prospective, randomised and controlled (in other words, trials where the method of analysis is decided beforehand; patients are assigned randomly to one of the treatments being compared; and the new treatment is being tested against at least one well-tried treatment). Also, doctors should assess the results from these trials before drawing reliable conclusions about their potential benefits.
Where can I find out more about these treatments?
You can read more in the following sources:
1) For a review of the latest research please refer to the latest Cochrane Collaboration review of this field (Porter et al, 2006)
The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 11,500 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous, systematic process to review the effects of interventions tested in biomedical randomised controlled trials. Cochrane reviews are considered to be a reliable source of evidence in healthcare.
This review of immunotherapy for recurrent miscarriage concluded that:
"Neither immunization with paternal leukocytes nor treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) improve the live birth rate in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Both are expensive and have potential serious side-effects. Moreover, women should be spared the pain and grief associated with false expectations that an ineffective treatment might work. These therapies should no longer be offered as treatment for unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Furthermore, immunological laboratory tests which have been previously advocated as justification for immunotherapies have no predictive value for pregnancy success and should be abandoned."
2) The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Scientific Advisory Committee have published an opinion paper (2008). The opinion papers states that “measurement of peripheral blood NK (PBNK) cell numbers or activity as a surrogate marker of events at the maternal-fetal interface is inappropriate…. A recent large UK study reported PBNK cell levels in predicting IVF cycle outcome to be ‘little better than tossing a coin’.” It concludes that “With the exception of aPL [anti-phospholipid antibodies] testing among women with recurrent miscarriage, there is little evidence to support any particular test or immunomodulatory treatment in the investigation and treatment of couples with reproductive failure. These tests and treatments should be restricted to those entered into formal research studies.”
3) The British Fertility Society (BFS) have published a review of evidence for use of medical adjuncts (supplementary procedures) in IVF, which covers a range of immunological tests and treatments (Nardo et al., 2009)
4) Two papers reviewing the science of NK cells in pregnancy are freely available (Moffett et al, 2004; Rai et al., 2005)
New studies and views in this field are continually being published. The Cochrane Collaboration review and the RCOG opinion paper and the BFS review do not take into account studies that have gone to press since they were written.
What is the HFEA´s view on these tests and treatments?
Unlike IVF itself, immunological tests and treatments do not require a licence from the HFEA. The primary role of the HFEA is to license and monitor centres that provide IVF treatment, other assisted conception procedures and human embryo research.
But fertility clinics licensed by the HFEA do have to provide appropriate information about any proposed tests or treatment to make sure you understand any risks and side effects and are giving informed consent.
There is limited scientific evidence to show that these treatments are beneficial. The best information that the HFEA can give patients is that presented in the Cochrane Collaboration review, the RCOG opinion paper, the BFS review along with published research articles.
HFEA would advise anyone being offered such tests and treatment to discuss them fully with their consultants and clinics and to question the reasons for and against having them.
What should I ask my doctor?
If you are recommended immunological treatments as part of your fertility treatment, we advise you to make sure you feel properly informed about the potential benefits and risks of the tests and treatment.
Your clinic should explain
- why they think the tests and treatment may help you
- What the risks and side effects may be
- the costs you will incur.
Remember that treatments can only be properly assessed in the context of a randomised clinical trial. Stories about individual women who have achieved a successful pregnancy after receiving these treatments do not prove that the treatments were effective. Without a proper clinical trial there is no way to assess whether a particular treatment has had any benefit.
Before agreeing to any immunological treatment, it is important to talk through all these topics with your clinic as well as with your GP. You also need to have had an opportunity to weigh up all the issues, and you should feel happy with your decision.
Questions you may want to ask include
- Why do you think I need this treatment - can you explain what you think is happening in my body?
- What data or evidence do you have to prove that this treatment will improve my chance of having a baby?
- What will the treatment involve for me?
- How much difference do you think having this treatment will make for me?
- What are the side effects and risks of the treatment?
- How much will the tests and treatment cost me?
Clark, DA (2010) Ant-TNFalpha theraphy in immune-mediated subfertility:state of the art. J Reprod Immunol; 85: 15-24.
Heilmann L, Schorsch M, Hahn T (2010) CD3-CD56+CD16+ natural killer cells and improvement of pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI failure after additional IVIG-treatment. Am J Reprod Immunol; 63: 263-265.
Nardo L, Granne I, Stewart J, Policy & Practice Committee of the British Fertility Society (2009) Medical adjuncts in IVF: evidence for clinical practice. Human Fertility12:1-13.
Moffett A, Regan L, Braude P (2004) Natural killer cells, miscarriage, and infertility. BMJ; 329: 1283-1285.
Porter TF, LaCoursiere Y, Scott JR. (2006) Immunotherapy for recurrent miscarriage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev; 19: CD000112.
Rai R, Sacks G, Trew G. (2005) Natural killer cells and reproductive failure--theory, practice and prejudice. Human Reproduction; 20:1123-1126.
RCOG (2008) Immunological Testing and Interventions for Reproductive Failure, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Scientific Advisory Committee Opinion Paper 5 http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/uploaded-files/SACI5mmunologicalTesting2008.pdf
RoussevRG, Acacio B, Ng SC, Coulam CB (2008) Duration of intralipid’s suppressive effect on NK cell’s functional activity. Am J Reprod Immunol; 60: 258-263.
Winger EE, Reed JL, Ashoush S, Ahuja S, El-Toukhy T, Taranissi M (2009) Treatment with Adalimumab (Humira) and intravenous immunoglobulin improves pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. Am J Reprod Immunol; 61: 107-112.
Please see the HFEA website for further information http://www.hfea.gov.uk/fertility-treatment-options-reproductive-immunology.htm
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