The Embryo Toxic Factor in Recurrent Miscarriages

One of the complex medical reasons for recurrent miscarriages may be traced to a condition known as embryo toxic factor (ETF). ETF is a cytokine secreted by the immune system’s white blood cells in response to pregnancy tissue. If excess amounts of cytokine are produced by white blood cells during pregnancy, the immune system may consider the embryo as a foreign body and try and eliminate it, thus leading to miscarriage. Embryo toxic factors have also been reported in women experiencing unexplained infertility and infertility associated with endometriosis.

Diagnosing Embryo Toxic Factor

Testing for embryo toxic factor is a complex laboratory experiment and is opted for only if other tests for miscarriage do not lead to any conclusive results. ETF testing is still considered an experimental testing.

A blood sample is first taken and the lymphocytes are cultured for several days. They are then combined with cultured mouse embryos and left to sit for a few days.  Subsequently, a fertility specialist studies the embryo development in relation to how it has been affected by these lymphocytes. If the embryos have stopped developing or have died, it shows the presence of ETF. If the embryos are developing normally, the conclusion is that no ETF is secreted.

The Treatment Regimen

Women suffering from ETF usually have to engage in a multiple treatment regimen to avoid future pregnancy complications. Since the cause of ETF is an over-active immune response, the treatment for ETF revolves around immune system repression. This includes

Intravenous immunoglobin  (IVIg) infusions which suppresses the production of cytokines

Vaginal applications of progesterone in suppositories or gel caps, taken until the sixteenth week of pregnancy

In case the woman is undergoing IVF treatment, progesterone oil injections may be given

Recurrent miscarriage is a condition that could be a sign of a more serious problem and a fertility specialist should be immediately consulted. East Bay Fertility Center California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinologist, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.  With the right type of treatment and intervention, the Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.