NK Cell Test - Help with Undestanding the results

Hi,

I have a couple question regarding NK Cell test and what the results mean.

Question No 1: Total NK Cells (CD3- 56+), What percentage level is classed as normal.

On My sisters test result her level was 19.8% and they said that was classed as Very Very High levels. She requires Prednisilone and Clexane for her future IVF cycles.


Question No. 2: On my results for the NK Test there was hand writing on my test from lab regarding, Activited (CD69+) dim NK’S, does anyone know anything about this?
A lot of the NK tests do not have this information written on it as it is only done if your doctor specifically requests it and if they specialises in immunology.

Mine reads as Activited (CD69+) dim NK’S = 2-1% = 4.2 x 10 6/L

Does anyone know what percentage this should be and what percentage rate is considered as high and low.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Inanna View Post
The NK cell is the most abundant immune cell infiltrating the womb implantation site. In a previous study, an elevated percentage of peripheral blood NK cells were associated with recurrent failed IVF-ET treatment cycles. Another study showed that increased peripheral blood NK cell toxicity was associated with an increased rate of recurrent failed implantation after IVF-ET treatment. More recent studies have confirmed elevated NK cell CD69 expression as being associated with recurrent miscarriage and infertility of unknown reason.

I also found this on a UK site: But I don’t know if there tests are done differently to ours:

• The NK cell is the most abundant immune cell infiltrating the womb implantation site. In a previous study, an elevated percentage of peripheral blood NK cells were associated with recurrent failed IVF-ET treatment cycles. Another study showed that increased peripheral blood NK cell toxicity was associated with an increased rate of recurrent failed implantation after IVF-ET treatment. More recent studies have confirmed elevated NK cell CD69 expression as being associated with recurrent miscarriage and infertility of unknown aetiology. Finally, a recent small non-randomised study has also suggested elevated NK cell CD69 expression may be related to failed implantation of the embryo.

We also recently conducted a study to evaluate the effect of the absolute count of the activation marker (CD69) and inhibitor marker (CD94) expression on peripheral blood NK cells on implantation and miscarriage rates after IVF-ET treatment. It was a randomised prospective observation study of 138 randomly selected women who underwent IVF-ET treatment from December 2002 to September 2003. Our data suggests that an elevated level of CD69+ peripheral blood NK cells is a detrimental factor for implantation of embryos in IVF-ET treatment. Those women who have an elevated peripheral blood CD69+ NK cell count achieve a positive pregnancy from IVF-ET have a significantly higher risk of miscarriage. The specificity and positive predictive value of predicting IVF-ET outcome for women who have a peripheral CD69+ NK cell count above 1.0 x10 6 /L are 92.1% and 92.3% respectively. This test may therefore be used in clinical practice to predict negative outcome of IVF-ET treatment.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

I can answer question 1 but not sure of question 2......6% is considered the highest end of normal for Uterine Nk cells.....My reading was 36%.....we are just about to birth a miracle bubba on the prednisone/clexane regime!

Not sure on the second question as i didnt get into all that detail with the etst results at the time....

Hi Melbel,

Firstly congratulations on your preganancy. This is such a exciting time for you.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

May I please ask was your Test; the blood test or the biopsy ?

My test results for Total NK Cells (CD3- 56+) = 6.8%
But at the time of the test I was very sick with Pluracy and on antibiotics. I did tell my doctor at the time I was sick but they said it was o.k.
I have since spoken to the ladies in the lab that do the test and they told me that I should not have done the test when I was sick and on antibiotics and that you should only do the NK Cell Test when your 100% healthy. :rolleyes:
I will be redoing the test mid February 2010.

I can't find much information regarding, Activited (CD69+) dim NK’S = 2-1% = 4.2 x 10 6/L and what is safe percentage levels.

You mentioned that you are taking Prednisone/Clexane, when did you start take them, what sort of dosage are you on and for how long do you take it for ?

I did both the blood test and the biopsy....my blood levels of NK cells were normal but my uterine levels were the ones at 36% or 6 times normal.

I did prednisone from CD1 at 10mg, increasing to 25mg from EPU and clexane from the day before transfer. I started weaning from the prednisone at week13 (takes about 5 weeks to get completely off them as you have to wean slowly) and stopped clexane at after week 20.

Have you read "is my body baby friendly?' By dr alan beers....it is invaluable reading on all this sort of stuff....you may have to go to amazon to source it as it is not readily available.....

Hi Melbel,

You did the Blood test first and the NK Cells didn't show up, is that correct. They only showed up on the biopsy ? wow

Can I please ask what is involved in the biopsy procedure.
Are you totally knocked out for the procedure ?
How long does it take ? Any Pain afterwards ?
Do you have to be at a certain stage of your cycle ? (e.i. after ovulation)
Do you have to be IVF free for that month or can you do it during a cycle ?

Thanks again for your help