For couples frustrated with the failure of their current IVF treatment to create a viable embryo that implants successfully, there is much to be gained from seeking a Second Opinion from Dr Nick Lolatgis.
Beyond thoroughly examining your personal situation and past IVF history, his approach is not only to identify the root cause(s) of repeated IVF Cycle failure or recurring miscarriage, but to develop advanced Immunological and IVF treatment strategies which genuinely provide you with fresh hope of a happy outcome.
To Dr Lolatgis, it’s about finding medical alternatives to methods you’ve tried which haven’t worked; exploring the use of cutting edge technologies that we believe can make a real difference; and replacing all those past tears of disappointment with the healthy cries of a newborn baby.
Here are just some of the ways he is helping to change the fortunes of his many Second Opinion patients.
Natural Killer Cells (NKC) are lymphocytes, an immune cell that fights infections and cancer. They are also the predominant leukocyte found in the lining of the uterus (or endometrium).
When present in normal numbers, NKC actually aid the implantation of the embryo. But where there is an excess of cells they can often play a role in causing repeated implantation failure (RIF); and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
Indeed, in some circumstances, NKC can mistake the infant embryo as an early cancer and attack it; preventing the pregnancy from continuing. This situation can, however, be successfully (and safely) controlled.
An endometrial biopsy taken on day 21 of the menstrual cycle allows assessment of the number of cells present; and if there are too many, Dr Nick Lolatgis is able to suppress the NKC with a combination of steroids, Intralipids and clexane.
Intralipid has been shown to lower the activity of NKC allowing embryos to implant and grow normally.
For women who have suffered RPL or multiple failed IVF cycles as a result of abnormal NKC activity, this proven treatment can be most beneficial.
When present in normal numbers, NKC actually aid the implantation of the embryo. But where there is an excess of cells they can often play a role in causing repeated implantation failure (RIF); and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
Indeed, in some circumstances, NKC can mistake the infant embryo as an early cancer and attack it; preventing the pregnancy from continuing. This situation can, however, be successfully (and safely) controlled.
An endometrial biopsy taken on day 21 of the menstrual cycle allows assessment of the number of cells present; and if there are too many, Dr Nick Lolatgis is able to suppress the NKC with a combination of steroids, Intralipids and clexane.
Intralipid has been shown to lower the activity of NKC allowing embryos to implant and grow normally.
For women who have suffered RPL or multiple failed IVF cycles as a result of abnormal NKC activity, this proven treatment can be most beneficial.
Doctors have long advocated aggressive treatment of immunologic implantation dysfunction in women suffering RIF (repeated implantation failure) or RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss).
In cases where there has been Natural Killer Cell (NKC) activation, intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) has been traditionally used to deactivate the NKC. However, IVIG is very expensive; and more and more in recent years, lower cost Intralipid is being used instead.
A synthetic product composed of 10% soybean oil, 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids, 2.25% glycerin and water, Intralipid is proving just as effective as IVIG; has no significant side effects; and offers a high ‘patient tolerance’ to treatment.
When indicated, Intralipid is given intravenously 7-14 days prior to embryo transfer and again after a positive pregnancy test. An additional treatment is given when a heartbeat is seen.
Since 2009, Dr Lolatgis (the founder of Dr Nick Lolatgis) has been evaluating the effect of Intralipid in patients who had activated Natural Killer Cells.
Thus far, over 1800 women have been treated with Intralipid; and more than 60% of patients have achieved viable pregnancies.
In cases where there has been Natural Killer Cell (NKC) activation, intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) has been traditionally used to deactivate the NKC. However, IVIG is very expensive; and more and more in recent years, lower cost Intralipid is being used instead.
A synthetic product composed of 10% soybean oil, 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids, 2.25% glycerin and water, Intralipid is proving just as effective as IVIG; has no significant side effects; and offers a high ‘patient tolerance’ to treatment.
When indicated, Intralipid is given intravenously 7-14 days prior to embryo transfer and again after a positive pregnancy test. An additional treatment is given when a heartbeat is seen.
Since 2009, Dr Lolatgis (the founder of Dr Nick Lolatgis) has been evaluating the effect of Intralipid in patients who had activated Natural Killer Cells.
Thus far, over 1800 women have been treated with Intralipid; and more than 60% of patients have achieved viable pregnancies.
The immunological system plays a major role in the process of embryo implantation and the subsequent maintenance of each pregnancy.
A pregnancy must be recognised as being ‘foreign’ (or non-self) in order to trigger an immunologic process that prevents the maternal immune system from rejecting it. The HLA (DQ alpha genes) compatibility system is a key factor in this recognition.
Couples who share common HLA genes (alleles) may experience RIF (repeated implantation failure) or RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss).
The mechanism to explain why shared alleles are associated with RIF and RPL is still obscure. However, inadequate response of the maternal immune system to stimulation by paternal antigens, due to HLA sharing, may well be implicated.
Such inadequate response may involve the imbalance of T helper 1: T helper 2 (TH1:TH2 cytokines) response causing the maternal system to attack the embryo. The maternal response in this situation is to produce many inflammatory cells and chemicals (cytokines).
Treatment with paternal Lymphocyte Immune Transfer (LIT) and/or administration of intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) has been found to benefit these patients. Intralipid can also be used if the THI:TH2 response is abnormal.
A pregnancy must be recognised as being ‘foreign’ (or non-self) in order to trigger an immunologic process that prevents the maternal immune system from rejecting it. The HLA (DQ alpha genes) compatibility system is a key factor in this recognition.
Couples who share common HLA genes (alleles) may experience RIF (repeated implantation failure) or RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss).
The mechanism to explain why shared alleles are associated with RIF and RPL is still obscure. However, inadequate response of the maternal immune system to stimulation by paternal antigens, due to HLA sharing, may well be implicated.
Such inadequate response may involve the imbalance of T helper 1: T helper 2 (TH1:TH2 cytokines) response causing the maternal system to attack the embryo. The maternal response in this situation is to produce many inflammatory cells and chemicals (cytokines).
Treatment with paternal Lymphocyte Immune Transfer (LIT) and/or administration of intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) has been found to benefit these patients. Intralipid can also be used if the THI:TH2 response is abnormal.
Whilst the use of stem cells as an infertility treatment is still very much in its infancy, it is already beginning to deliver some very encouraging results. Particularly among ‘worst case’ patients who are not responding at all well to IVF; have had many (>4) failed IVF cycles; and are essentially looking at needing donor eggs.
To date, Dr Lolatgis has provided 60 such women with advanced Stem Cell solutions that have lead to a 10% (1:10) pregnancy success rate; and in each case, seen these relieved and delighted patients take home a healthy baby of their own making.
Here’s how the stem cell process works.
Stem cells are first extracted from your maternal blood; and then purified before being activated.
These cells are called pericytes and contain powerful peptides that stimulate blood flow to the ovary; and may act to improve egg quality.
The cells are suspended in plasma derived from your collected blood; and the intravenous administration of this autologous blood is extremely safe. Because it is always your own blood that is given back to you.
To date, Dr Lolatgis has provided 60 such women with advanced Stem Cell solutions that have lead to a 10% (1:10) pregnancy success rate; and in each case, seen these relieved and delighted patients take home a healthy baby of their own making.
Here’s how the stem cell process works.
Stem cells are first extracted from your maternal blood; and then purified before being activated.
These cells are called pericytes and contain powerful peptides that stimulate blood flow to the ovary; and may act to improve egg quality.
The cells are suspended in plasma derived from your collected blood; and the intravenous administration of this autologous blood is extremely safe. Because it is always your own blood that is given back to you.
