SUMMARY:  Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy or LIT is a procedure whereby white blood cells from the prospective father are injected into the skin of the prospective mother to prepare the maternal immune system for pregnancy. Because pregnancy tissues are the product of both the mothers as well as the fathers genes, LIT assists the mothers immune system in the development of immunologic tolerance to the genetically foreign pregnancy tissues. 

Our practice is fee-for-service; we do not take insurance. We understand that the cost of treatments can be quite high and we provide the necessary documentation to our patients' insurance agencies to help gain coverage (see Health Care Coverage for Reproductive Immunology: What Our Program Will and Will Not Do for You). However, please note that there are no guarantees your insurance company will pay for treatment.

It is difficult to give an estimate of the cost for consultation and treatment. This is because we cannot know which treatments will be required prior to testing. In addition, each person's body reacts differently to treatments, thus the length of treatment is variable.

Based on initial laboratory testing, a medical history review (registration and/or medical records), and a consultation, patients will receive treatment. The treatment protocol may vary during the course of treatment, as additional services become necessary or listed services are not performed, based on a change in the patient's condition.

Introduction
Patients frequently undergo an endometrial biopsy (lining of the uterus) when they are being studied for recurrent pregnancy losses, IVF failures and implantation failures. These studies are performed by pathologists using stains that provide them with structural information about the endometrium. Within the endometrium there are immune cells known as lymphocytes. We know that there are many different types. Unfortunately, with conventional techniques the different types of lymphocytes have the same appearance. In our clinic we need to know what types and quantities of lymphocytes are present in order to make a proper diagnosis prior to treatment.

Early studies on Immunological Problems

1. Dr. Alan Beer and his associates, in an award winning 1995 study presented to the 6th International Congress of Reproductive Immunology, reported that 86.6% of women with elevated Natural Killer Cells had a successful pregnancy outcome when treated with preconception IVIg, aspirin and heparin.
   
   
2. Dr. Carolyn Coulam finished a double blind study on IVIg therapy for immune problems resulting in infertility. Her results were published in the December 1995 issue of The American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. Her study showed a 3:1 ratio of increased births to women receiving IVIg vs. a placebo. These results are now being presented to the FDA to support the approval and the use of this drug for reproductive immunology purposes
   

The information contained in this article is not intended to be a medical diagnosis, treatment or medical advice in any way, as it is general information and cannot be relied on without consultation with your physician. It is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for profession medical advice. As medical information can change rapidly, we strongly encourage you to discuss all health matters and concerns with your physician before embarking on new diagnostic or treatment strategies.

Introduction
White blood cells circulate in the blood and can be divided into a number of different types that can be identified by conventional staining techniques that permit their identification under the microscope or by an automated blood counting instrument. One type of these cells is known as the lymphocyte and is the major cell of the immune system. There are a large variety of different types of lymphocytes each charged with a different role in immune function. While lymphocytes, in general can be distinguished from other white blood cells by conventional means, the wide variety of lymphocytes all appear the same. However, the different lymphocyte types each display different protein molecules on their surfaces. These molecules allow the identification of the lymphocyte types when they are identified by the use of laboratory-prepared antibodies directed against these molecules.