Infertility treatments may significantly increase MS

[MSUK]

Infertility treatments may significantly increase Multiple Sclerosis activity



Researchers in Argentina report that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who undergo assisted reproduction technology (ART) infertility treatment are at risk for increased disease activity. Study findings published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society, suggest reproductive hormones contribute to regulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as MS.

According to a 2006 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), MS affects 2.5 million individuals worldwide and is more common among women than men. While previous research found that up to 20% of couples in Western countries experience infertility, women with MS typically do not have diminished fertility except in those treated with cyclophosphamide or high-dose corticosteroids. Medical evidence shows sex hormones and those involved in ovulation (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)) play an important role in the development of autoimmune disorders. ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1936

[jimmylegs]

a short response to this study: http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... ml#p198815

[LR1234]

I had 2 massive relapses after IVF treatment. (plus taking clomid the year before)
I def think playing with the hormones can aggravate the MS.

[cheerleader]

These hormone treatments are endothelial disruspters and can increase permeability of capillaries and hypercoagulation by raising VEGF levels. This could potentially lead to BBB breech and thrombosis.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of treatment with fertility drugs. It is characterized by increased vascular permeability and simultaneous overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ovarian cells.

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/92/1/314.full

Cerebral venous thrombosis and IVF
http://www.hkmj.org/article_pdfs/hkm1104p155.pdf

Ovarian Stimulation and Hypercoagulation
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1761659

cheer

[DIM]

...and the question is can increased supplementation with salvia (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16039554) EGCG (http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/2 ... 8.full.pdf) pycnogenol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18037769) resveratrol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20730905) etc reverse ART side effects?

[cheerleader]

...and the question is can increased supplementation with salvia (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16039554) EGCG (http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/2 ... 8.full.pdf) pycnogenol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18037769) resveratrol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20730905) etc reverse ART side effects?

Hi DIM! Nice to see you pop in! Hope your wife is doing well!
Couldn't find any research on that in IVF specifically, but you're right--all of those supplements and many more can help limit endothelial permeability. I did find a heparin and aspirin protocol was recommended to women who had APA prior to IVF, or for those who developed hypercoagulation on IVF hormones. It's probably just a good idea for women with MS to know their coagulation status (d dimer, ESR, SED rate and if they have APS) before beginning IVF treatments, or starting birth control. Hormones affect coagulation and should be monitored. And MS researchers should look beyond immune implications in these studies.
cheer

[DIM]

Nice to see you too Cheer, wife is stable and in absolute remmision last few years, as you can read we changed some supplements in her regimen but she continues on LDN-regimen-diet-training.

Back to our point yes there aren't researches for the above regarding IVF but al of those decrease permeability while niacin, vinpocetin and many more (http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~williams/ ... rfarin.pdf) can compete heparin/aspirin treatment, aspirin inhibits prostaglandins both good and bad!

[LR1234]

Yes I was hospitalised for 10 days with severe OHSS (kidney's shut down etc) it was that March following the December IVF nightmare that I relapsed Biggest amount of damage on brain. Thankfully recovering from that relapse x

I was on blood thinners prior to and during IVF but they didn't stop the relapse (although the doses were lowered in March) been on high dose blood thinners ever since....best I have been in years. (except for the recovery of that relapse that was hard!)

[Ari]

I had to have fertility treatment with my 6 month old. It was then that I first remember having symptoms of MS. I was diagnosed with MS two months ago. I now need to decide if I have another child before I have any treatment. I will need to have fertility treatment with this pregnancy as well. Do you think this will increase my chances of having a relapse?

[DIM]

Yes I was hospitalised for 10 days with severe OHSS (kidney's shut down etc) it was that March following the December IVF nightmare that I relapsed Biggest amount of damage on brain. Thankfully recovering from that relapse x

I was on blood thinners prior to and during IVF but they didn't stop the relapse (although the doses were lowered in March) been on high dose blood thinners ever since....best I have been in years. (except for the recovery of that relapse that was hard!)

May I ask what blood thinners - daily dosage have you used as if they don't protect you it means every woman with MS on IVF could have relapses?

[ssmme]

My MS dx came about 4 years following fertility treatments, however, symptoms began to appear within a year following my eventual pregnancy. I had IVF in 2000, then again in 2001. In 2002 I had my triplets. By 2003 I had heat intolerance. In 2004 foot drop came into the picture. In 2005 fatigue became overwhelming. In 2006 I forced the issue with my gp who finally sent me to a neuro who had my dx in two weeks.

At first I was told that all my issues were based on sleep deprivation. Get more sleep, they'd say, it would make me feel better. Umm, yeah, I have three young kids. Sleep is a commodity that I can't buy.

[LR1234]

I was on Clexane/enoxaparin according to my weight 60mg daily all through fertility and through OHSS (remember though my blood was so so thick during this time)
I then went down to 40mg and thats when things starting going a bit weird. (it was lowered only 2 months after OHSS so mistake as blood must have still been too clotty)
I then changed to Arixtra 2.5mg daily and the big relapse happened. Very very ill.
I went up to 80mg clexane but because of my bones I can't take this drug anymore.
The relapse was so bad I was still bad during all this time.

Added copaxone (half dose as 20mg too strong for little me, liver reaction)

Then added 112mg aspirin with Clexane (made a huge difference!!)
Then switched to arixtra 2.5mg again but with the 112mg asprin was still doing well.
Now on 2.5 mg Arixtra every other day with 112mg Asprin on day of injection and 150mg Asprin on day without. as well as half the copaxone. Been on this for a few months now.
Working well for me. MS has been quiet and no eye pain no fatigue!! Hair is falling out big time though:(
Also take 2 Q10 a week, 1600ug Folic acid a week. 1000mg Magnesium and 5000iu D twice a week and thyroxine.

[gibbledygook]

Ari, you are at increased risk of having "increased activity" by undergoing fertility treatment.

Researchers in Argentina report that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who undergo assisted reproduction technology (ART) infertility treatment are at risk for increased disease activity. Study findings published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society, suggest reproductive hormones contribute to regulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as MS.

However you should try to minimize the severity of possible problems by checking your coagulation status beforehand and maybe adjusting with low dose aspirin whilst trying for a baby again. Those female hormones have a pretty powerful effect on the vasculature so it may be a good idea to try to ensure the health of this part of your body.

[Azile]

I did not know this. I know that being pregnant decreases chances of a MS relapse, but it does not mean no one will get any relapses. I went through two treatments of IVF and never got any relapses. I guess I got lucky. The first treatment was the basic one, and the second had increased medication amounts. No problems. I don't have a very active MS anyhow. I was diagnosed in 2003 and I had started to try unsuccessfully to have kids since 2005 with 5 miscarriages. In 2007, I have my first IVF treatment and that ended in miscarriage #6 and then late 2007 another more aggressive IVF treatment and that resulted with healthy twin boys. I have not had any relapses since I was first diagnosed.

I think if anyone is trying to have a family, don't let MS stop you. If it becomes too difficult, then make your decision then, but don't let the possibility of a relapse stop you from something you want so much.

[Ari]

Thanks for the response Gibbledygook. I've got an appointment to see my specialist on the 26th, I will ask him about my blood clotting and see if it's something I need to worry about. The last time I saw him we discussed having a baby and he was aware that I needed fertility treatment to have a baby. He didn't mention the increased chance of a relapse. Very annoyed.

Azile, you are defiantly right but I guess I need to decide whether of not it's worth the risk having another baby. I already have a 6 month old and I'll be no use to a baby if I'm ill. People are always saying to me to have more then one baby because it's not fair on the child being alone but I think it'll be worse for my child if I can't look after him.