A Typical Patient

Our typical reproductive immunology patient, on average 38.6 years old with a standard deviation of 2 years, has experienced an average of 4.4 unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy. Many of these patients find themselves approaching the end of their reproductive years. However, by carefully analyzing their clinical history and conducting specific laboratory tests, we can often provide successful immune therapies.

Our Clinic

The Program

A Brief Summary

Over the past 35 years, significant progress has been made in our understanding of infertility and pregnancy losses. This knowledge has been largely gathered through research involving couples who, despite readily conceiving, suffer from recurrent miscarriages. To gain further insights into these findings, you may want to explore our studies on immune problems and review Dr. Beer's biographical summary or some of his scientific papers. Further complicating matters, even when in vitro fertilization yields high-quality embryos, they are often immunologically rejected. To better understand this phenomenon, consider reading our introduction to the immune system.

Identifying Immune Problems through Laboratory Testing:

Extensive research has revealed various categories of immune problems that contribute to pregnancy loss, IVF failures, and infertility. Here is a summary of the most relevant testing methods:

  • Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APA): These molecules are crucial for successful implantation and placentation.
  • Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): Some women develop antibodies against the baby's DNA or its breakdown products, which can be detected through a positive Anti-nuclear antibody test (ANA). This often manifests as a speckled pattern. We also recommend testing for double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, polynucleotides, and histones.
  • Natural Killer (NK) Cell Assay: This test determines the killing power of a woman's Natural Killer Cells in a controlled environment. Elevated NK numbers and/or NK activity can indicate a higher risk of infertility and pregnancy loss. Additional testing to further understand this issue includes the Reproductive Immunophenotype.
  • Th1 Th2 Assay: The immune system maintains a balance between TH1 (autoimmune) and TH2 (pregnancy or suppressive response). An imbalance towards TH1 dominance can contribute to reproductive failure. The Th1 Th2 Assay helps assess a patient's risk in this regard.
  • T Regulatory Cell ("Treg"): Higher numbers of Tregs in the blood have been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. Our center is currently studying Tregs in both endometrial biopsies and blood samples from patients, both before and after therapy.
  • Thrombophilia: Thrombophilia refers to an increased tendency to form blood clots. Throughout a normal pregnancy, the mother's clotting ability in the uterus and placenta is suppressed. However, in some cases, this clotting tendency is not adequately suppressed, leading to various pregnancy complications. Physicians may request additional tests to confirm suspicions of underlying conditions causing thrombophilia.

    • Additional Information:

    Patients undergoing testing may find our treatment protocol to be helpful. Additionally, they can explore our Patient Resources. Lastly, we recommend numerous Online Resources for general education on reproductive immunology.

    We aim to provide a modern and comprehensive understanding of reproductive immunology. Should you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out.

    What We Do

    We currently have a wait list for new patients.

    If you wish to be added to the wait list, please contact us. Once we get to your name on the list, we will contact you to have you start the process of becoming a new patient. (Please note, returning patients do not need to go on the wait list).