Intralipids

CNY Fertility Center innovative treatment called Intralipids is part of our oocyte enhancment protocols to help women who have had recurrent miscarriage, multiple failed IVF cycles or multiple failed IUI cycles, or otherwise looking to improve the odds of a successful treatment cycle. Intralipids deactivate natural killer cells in a woman’s body which may prevent embryos from implanting and growing properly in the uterus.

New research has suggested that women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or multiple failed IUI or IVF cycles as a result of natural killer cell activation may benefit from the use of intralipids.

What are Intralipids

Intralipids are synthetic and made from 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids, 10% soybean oil, 2.25% glycerin and water.

When are Intralipids Taken

Intralipids are usually administered 1-4 days prior to a procedure (IVF retrieval, IUI, embryo transfer) and continued weekly until 12-14 weeks of pregnancy to keep the natural killer cells deactivated until the pregnancy can override the signals being sent by the immune system.

How does it help fertility and embryo implantation?

Natural killer cells are regulated by the immune system. In women who have autoimmune issues, the natural killer cells can react abnormally to an implanting embryo, treating it as an invading cell and signaling for the body to attack it. Studies have found that intralipids can help to deactivate the natural killer cells, allowing the embryo to implant on the uterine wall and grow normally and keep the natural killer cells deactivated until the pregnancy can override the signals being sent by the immune system.

Intralipid Cost

Intralipids (approximately $100 per administration) are far less expensive than Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) (approximately $2000 per administration), and initial studies show comparable efficacy for deactivation of natural killer cells and pregnancy rates. Intralipids are well tolerated by patients with few side effects and are created synthetically, unlike IVIG which is a blood product. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours for the intralipids to be administered through the IV.

Getting Help

For more information about intralipids call CNY Fertility Center at 844-315-2229, schedule a consultation, or ask your nurse if you are a candidate at your next appointment.