What is Intralipid therapy?

Intralipid infusion therapy is a sterile fat emulsion containing soy oil, chicken egg yolk, glycerine and water.  The infusion is in liquid form and administered intravenously.  It is a non-invasive procedure carried out in clinic as part of a treatment cycle.

Why is it used?

Research has found that raised natural killer cell activity (toxic white blood cells) can act against an embryo and prevent its implantation into the endometrium. This is known as implantation failure.

In addition, some auto immune disorders can also have a detrimental impact upon the healthy implantation and early progress of an embryo which can also cause implantation failure and early miscarriage.

Intralipid therapy is designed to combat these factors.

Midland Fertility was the first fertility clinic to introduce intralipid infusion to the West Midlands and is currently the only unit in the region where this treatment is available. The first babies were also born in February 2014 following intralipid therapy at Midland Fertility (information accurate as of February 2014).

Who may benefit from intralipid therapy?

Intralipid infusions can help women who have had implantation failure or early miscarriage(s). Treatment is available for women as part of a treatment cycle at Acupuncture Health Centre or women having treatment elsewhere in Nigeria.

When is the best time to have the infusions?

A patient will have up to two intralipid infusions before a pregnancy test is due and up to three after a positive pregnancy test. The infusions are given roughly 14 days apart.

How are the infusions carried out?

As the intralipid is in liquid form it is administered by inserting a cannula (a fine plastic tube) into a vein in the arm or hand. Each infusion takes around an hour during which the patient will be seated comfortably and in private. The patient may eat and drink normally whilst the infusion is taking place and a clinical team member will monitor the patient throughout the appointment.

Are there any noticeable effects of the infusion?

There are no serious adverse effects with the infusion although some patients may experience a headache, nausea or flu-like symptoms. The infusion is not given to anyone with a known allergy to soy oil, eggs, peanut, peanut based products or any active ingredients in the infusion.  After treatment the patient can resume normal activities such as driving.

Costs

Costs of each intralipid infusion at Acupuncture Health Centre will be made known on arrival at the clinic

What is included in the cost?

A charge will be made for each appointment for the intralipid infusion

What is not included in the cost?

Any other fertility investigations, treatment or preservation services for either partner.