Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT)

🩺 Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT)

Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) is an immunological fertility treatment designed to help women with recurrent miscarriages or unexplained infertility. This therapy involves injecting the male partner’s white blood cells (lymphocytes) into the female partner. The goal is to stimulate the woman’s immune system to produce blocking antibodies, which can help protect the embryo and prevent the body from rejecting it.

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✅ What is LIT?

LIT (Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy) is a procedure where lymphocytes (white blood cells) from the male partner or donor are injected into the female partner’s skin. The treatment aims to:

• Boost immune tolerance during pregnancy.
• Prevent the maternal immune system from attacking the embryo.
• Increase the production of protective antibodies that support implantation and sustain the pregnancy.

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🔍 Who is LIT Recommended For?

LIT is often suggested for couples dealing with:

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL): Women with three or more consecutive miscarriages.
• Unexplained Infertility: When no clear cause of infertility is detected.
• Repeated IVF Failure: Women who have experienced multiple IVF implantation failures.
• Autoimmune or Alloimmune Issues: Women whose immune system may attack the embryo, mistaking it as a foreign body.
• Low Blocking Antibody Levels: Women lacking protective blocking antibodies, which are essential for successful implantation.

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💉 How Does LIT Work?

The LIT procedure involves the following steps:

1. Blood Collection:
   • A small amount of blood is drawn from the male partner or a donor.
   • The blood is processed to extract lymphocytes (white blood cells).
2. Lymphocyte Preparation:
   • The extracted lymphocytes are purified and prepared for injection.
   • The concentration of lymphocytes is adjusted for optimal effectiveness.
3. Injection into the Female Partner:
   • The purified lymphocytes are injected into the skin (usually in the forearm).
   • The woman may receive 2-4 injections over a few weeks, depending on the treatment plan.
   • The therapy may be repeated every 4-6 weeks during early pregnancy to maintain immune tolerance.

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🌟 Why is LIT Used?

• Prevents Immune Rejection:
  • Some women’s immune systems mistake the embryo for a foreign body and reject it.
  • LIT helps create tolerance to paternal antigens, increasing the likelihood of embryo implantation.
• Enhances Implantation:
  • LIT increases the production of protective blocking antibodies, which support implantation.
  • It also reduces the risk of recurrent miscarriages.
• Improves Pregnancy Success in IVF:
  • Women who have experienced repeated IVF failure may benefit from LIT.
  • It helps improve embryo acceptance and reduces implantation failure.

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📊 Success Rate of LIT

The success rate of LIT varies based on individual cases, but studies have shown:

• 60-80% success rate in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Increased implantation rates in women with previous IVF failures.
• Improved pregnancy outcomes in autoimmune-related infertility cases.
• Women with unexplained infertility also show better conception rates after LIT.

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🚫 Risks and Side Effects of LIT

While LIT is generally safe, it carries some potential risks and side effects:

• Mild Skin Reactions:
  • Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
• Flu-like Symptoms:
  • Mild fever, fatigue, or body aches.
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Rare cases of allergic responses to donor lymphocytes.
• Infection Risk:
  • Though rare, improper handling of lymphocytes could increase the risk of infection.
• Limited Scientific Consensus:
  • LIT is not widely recognized by all fertility specialists, and some medical associations consider it experimental.

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💰 Cost of LIT Treatment

The cost of LIT varies based on location, clinic, and the number of treatments required:

• In India: LIT costs around ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per cycle.
• Globally: The cost ranges between $1,000 to $3,000 per session.
• Multiple LIT sessions may be required, increasing the overall cost.

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✅ Benefits of LIT Treatment

• Reduces Miscarriage Risk: Increases the chances of maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
• Improves IVF Success: Increases implantation rates for couples with repeated IVF failures.
• Boosts Immune Tolerance: Helps the female body accept the embryo.
• Minimally Invasive: LIT involves simple injections with no complex procedures.
• Customizable Treatment: LIT can be repeated based on the couple’s fertility needs.

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🌸 Key Takeaway

Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) is an immunological fertility treatment designed for couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages, unexplained infertility, or repeated IVF failures. By introducing male lymphocytes into the woman’s immune system, LIT improves embryo acceptance and reduces the risk of miscarriage. Although considered safe and effective for many couples, LIT remains a controversial treatment with limited scientific consensus. It offers hope to couples struggling with immune-related fertility challenges. 💖