Blood thinning jab could drastically improve infertile couples’ chance of conceiving

July 20, 2016

Almost half of IVF patients carry a gene mutation linked to miscarriage
It causes blood clotting which stops embryo attaching to the womb
Study found injections of blood-thinning heparin drug can help
Heparin jab raised chance of conceiving from nearly zero to 40%

Alexander Ward For The Daily Mail

Published:
02:23 EST, 20 July 2016

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Updated:
02:31 EST, 20 July 2016

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Around half of infertile couples could find their chances of conceiving drastically improved by using a drug prescribed for angina, a study suggests.

Scientists have known for two years that 44 per cent of IVF patients are carriers of a gene mutation linked to miscarriage, dangerous blood clotting and foetal growth problems.

And now researchers have said that injections of the blood-thinning drug heparin can help couples who have struggled for years to have children.

A jab of a blood thinning drug normally prescribed for angina could drastically improve the chances of IVF patients conceiving, a study has found

The drug raises the chance of becoming pregnant from nearly zero to the same level as that of normal IVF couples – up to 40 per cent per cycle.

The study also found genetic mutations carried by the male can cause the woman to miscarry because the defect is passed on to the embryo.

It eventually stops the placenta developing properly and hinders the ability of an embryo to attach inside the womb, potentially leading to miscarriage.

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Mike Abberley, 53, and his wife Nicola, 41, of Chesterfield, had been trying for 16 years to have a family and had conceived after IVF treatment but lost the baby at 16 weeks.

When tested by CARE Fertility, Britain’s largest private fertility clinic, they were both found to carry the gene mutation.

Mrs Abberley was prescribed heparin injections from the moment of embryo transfer, and their twins Amelia and James were born in the next cycle.

She told the Daily Telegraph: ‘After waiting so many years and having so much heartache, we were elated when the twins were born. To finally have our family was incredible.’

The drug raises the chance of becoming pregnant from nearly zero to the same level as that of normal IVF couples – up to 40 per cent per cycle, researchers said (file photo)

The mutated gene, called C4M2, results in blood clotting, which eventually leads the body to abort the foetus.

Simon Fishel of CARE Fertility, who led the research, said: ‘For the first time we have shown that when this genetic marker is identified, treatment matters.

‘Giving heparin early enough when indicated can help restore live birth rates in patients who have endured unsuccessful IVF cycles.’

The study examined 103 couples where one or both partners carried the C4M2 ‘miscarriage marker’, all of whom had lost a baby during IVF.

The drug costs around £6 per day.