Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) is a treatment that involves injecting a patient's own lymphocytes, or white blood cells, into the mother's body to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. LIT is often used in cases of recurrent miscarriages or infertility, especially when In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been unsuccessful. \nHere's how LIT works:\nA patient's immune system is analyzed. \nLymphocytes are extracted from the prospective father or a donor. \nThe lymphocytes are processed and injected into the mother's skin and below the skin. \nThe treatment is administered twice, with a gap of 3–4 weeks between each dose. \nThe goal of LIT is to train the mother's immune system to recognize the paternal cells as friendly, so that it's less likely to attack the embryo after IVF. \nLIT is generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects, including:\nPain, infection, or scarring at the injection site \nHypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, though these are rare \nBlisters, malaise, temperature rise, skin rashes, burning feeling, swelling, irritation, or redness \nLymphocyte Immunotherapy in Female Infertility\nLymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is an innovative treatment that offers hope to many women experiencing infertility. This approach focuses on harnessing the power of the immune system to support pregnancy. Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) contains a lymphocyte concentrate for the treatment of infertility, in which the partner's or third party's white blood cells are isolated from the peripheral blood and injected into the pregnant mother. \nLIT – Concepts and Benefits \nThe Role of the Immune System in Pregnancy\nThe immune system is a complex network that protects the body from harmful invaders like germs and toxins. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system has a unique role—it needs to accept and support the growing baby, which contains genetic material from the father and is therefore "foreign" to the mother’s body.\nIn some cases, the immune system might not create the right environment for the baby to implant or develop, leading to challenges like implantation failure or pregnancy loss. This is where immunotherapy can help.\nWhat is Lymphocyte Immunotherapy (LIT)?\nLymphocyte immunotherapy is a special treatment that uses white blood cells (lymphocytes) from the father (or a donor) to prepare the mother’s immune system for pregnancy. By exposing the mother’s immune system to these cells, it becomes more tolerant of the baby’s genetic material, creating a supportive environment for the pregnancy.\nLIT has shown promising results, improving pregnancy outcomes for women who have experienced repeated implantation failures or miscarriages.\nRecurrent Miscarriages are seen in many women and 50% of these are labelled as unexplained as no underlying cause is found in them. Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) was the earliest immunomodulatory method suggested in these cases. LIT is not only effective in the treatment of repeated miscarriages but it is also safe.  Modulation of the immune system by lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is a reasonable way to prevent embryo rejection.\n \nHow Does Lymphocyte Immunotherapy (LIT) Work?\nLIT aims to "train" the maternal immune system by:\nBoosting Immune Tolerance:\n It helps the mother’s body accept the baby as part of her own.\nCreating a Favourable Environment:\n It balances the immune response, ensuring the uterus is ready for implantation and growth.\nImproving Pregnancy Success Rates:\n Studies suggest that LIT can increase implantation, gestation, and live birth rates.\nWhy Do Immune Issues Impact Pregnancy?\nThe immune system works in layers to protect the body. It includes:\nInnate Immunity:\n The first line of defense, which responds quickly but non-specifically to threats.\nAdaptive Immunity:\n A more targeted response that remembers past invaders and protects against them in the future.\nSometimes, the immune system becomes overactive or imbalanced, mistakenly identifying the embryo as a threat. This can prevent implantation or cause pregnancy loss.\nThe Benefits of LIT\nEnhanced Immune Balance:\n Helps regulate the immune system to support pregnancy.\nImproved Implantation Rates:\n Creates a favourable environment for the embryo to attach to the uterus.\nIncreased Live Birth Rates:\n Supports the pregnancy through all its stages.\nWho Can Benefit from LIT?\nLIT is often recommended for women who:\nHave experienced multiple failed IVF cycles.\nSuffer from recurrent miscarriages.\nHave unexplained infertility linked to potential immune issues.\n \nChallenges and Factors Influencing LIT\nAlthough LIT shows great potential, several factors can affect its success:\nTiming:\n Administering the therapy at the right stage of pregnancy preparation is crucial.\nDose and Method:\n Using the correct number of fresh lymphocytes ensures optimal results.\nIndividual Variations:\n Each patient’s immune system and medical history can influence outcomes.\nLIT is generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects, including:\nPain, infection, or scarring at the injection site \nHypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, though these are rare \nBlisters, malaise, temperature rise, skin rashes, burning feeling, swelling, irritation, or redness \n \nLymphocyte immunotherapy represents a promising frontier in fertility treatments, offering hope to women struggling with immune-related infertility challenges. With proper guidance and treatment, it can help turn the dream of parenthood into reality.\n

Dr. Asha S Vijay

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LIT Therapy in IVF | LIT Treatment For PregnancyDisclaimer

LIT Therapy in IVF | LIT Treatment For Pregnancy
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