Q. How can we determine the problems within sperms ?
Problems within the sperm not diagnosed by the standard parameters of semen analysis can be detected by:-
Sperm function tests, sperm DNA integrity assay [SDla], Y chromosome microdeletion assay
Q.How can we determine the anatomic problems within the uterus ?
Problems With the Uterine Environment – Problems within the environment in which the embryo implants and fetus grows have been classified as anatomic , hormonal and immunologic.
Anatomic abnormalities of the uterus can be diagnosed by :-
- Hysterosonography [ultrasound evaluation of the uterus after fluid is injected] or
- Hysterosalpingography [X-ray with instillation of dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes]
- Hysteroscopy [telescopic evaluation of the uterine cavity]
Q. How can we determine problems of hormonal response of uterus ?
Hormonal response of the uterus can be diagnosed with the aid of ultrasound.
- Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the lining of the uterus around the time of ovulation.
- Color Doppler flow studies to evaluate blood flow to the lining of the uterus.
Q. How can the immunologic factors causing implantation failure be diagnosed ?
Antiphospholipid Antibody [APA] Panel –
- Antiphospholipid antibodies have shown to kill pre-implantation embryos. They also interfere with angiogenesis
- Antinuclear antibody [ANA] panel – Antinuclear antibodies have also been shown to be embryotoxic.
- Antithyoid Antibody [ATA] Panel :- Antithyroid antibodies have no direct effect on preimplantation embryos, but are a marker of activated T cells in the lining of the uterus.
- Reproductive Immunophenotype [RIP] measures circulating levels of NK cells. Elevated NK killing activity [greater than 10%] has been associated with implantation failure.
- Natural Killer Cell Activity [NKa] assay – measures killing activity with NK cells. Elevated NK killing activity [greater than 10%] has been associated with implantation failure.
- Embryotoxicity Assay [ ETA] measures circulating substances that kill preimplantation embryo.
- Immunoglobulin [Ig] panel – Elevated levels of immunoglobulin particularly immunoglobulin M, have been associated with implantation failure. Also the immunoglobulin panel will detect deficiencies in IgA which can be a contra indication to the use of IVIg if anti IgA antibodies are present.
Thrombophilila Panel :- Included in the thrombophilia panel is the gene for Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor[PAI] which can detect the most common cause of defective fibrinolysis contributed by an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI 1] concentrations.
Cytokine Panel :- Proteins or cytokines that are produced by immunologic cells within the lining of the uterus .
Cytokine Panel : - Proteins or cytokines that are produced by immunologic cells within the lining of the uterus or
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