IVF

What is Intralipid Therapy?

Intralipid therapy for IVF is an intravenous infusion of fat emulsion (soybean oil, egg yolk phospholipids) used to modulate the immune system, specifically to suppress overactive natural killer (NK) cells that may reject an embryo. It is primarily used for patients with recurrent implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, or autoimmune issues, typically starting 1-7 days before transfer and continuing into the first trimester.

What Intralipids Do for IVF

• Immune Modulation: Reduces the cytotoxicity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which can mistake an embryo for a threat.
• Implantation Support: Helps improve the uterine environment for embryo implantation, particularly in patients with recurrent losses
• Target Population: Recommended for women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, multiple failed IVF cycles, or autoimmune conditions (e.g., antiphospholipid syndrome).
• Alternative to IVIG: Offers a similar, safer, and more affordable alternative to Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy.

Intralipid Infusion IVF Process & Timeline

• Administration: Given via IV drip, taking approximately 1–2 hours.
• Timing: Often administered one week before the expected embryo transfer, repeated after a positive pregnancy test, and continued into the first or second trimester, depending on clinic protocols.

Side Effects and Considerations

• Safety: Generally, intralipids are well-tolerated with few reported side effects.
• Considerations: Contains egg/soy, so it is not suitable for those with severe allergies to these ingredients.

What is IVIG?

IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) is an advanced immunomodulatory therapy used in IVF to potentially improve outcomes for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or multiple implantation failures, often linked to elevated natural killer (NK) cells or autoantibodies. By suppressing immune system attacks on the embryo, it may improve live birth rates, particularly in cases of severe, unexplained recurrent implantation failure (uRIF).

What to Expect During an IVIG Infusion

• IVIG is administered through an intravenous (IV) line
• Infusions typically last 2–4 hours, depending on dose and tolerance
• Patients are seated comfortably in a monitored clinical or at-home setting
• Vital signs are checked before, during, and after the infusion
• Many patients relax, read, or use their phone during treatment

Safety & Side Effects

IVIG is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects may include:

• Headache or fatigue
• Mild fever or chills
• Nausea
• Muscle or joint aches
• More serious reactions are rare and monitored closely by trained clinical staff. Pre-medication and hydration may be used to reduce side effects.

Personalized Care & Monitoring

Each IVIG treatment plan is individualized based on:

• Diagnosis
• Weight and dosing requirements
• Previous response to therapy
• Tolerance and infusion history

Our clinical team closely monitors every infusion to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes.