The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus definition of hyper-responders for in-vitro fertilization

First follicular fluid cf-mtDNA sequencing unveils ovarian stimulation-induced mutations impacting oocyte quality and IVF success

PURPOSE

Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has emerged as a promising non-invasive method to predict embryo implantation potential. This study presents the first sequencing of cf-mtDNA in follicular fluid, aiming to explore the impact of ovarian stimulation treatment on the accumulation of mtDNA mutations and assess their implications for IVF outcomes.

METHODS

We selected 24 women aged 27 to 35 from the Assisted Reproduction Unit based on inclusion criteria requiring them to be undergoing their first IVF cycle without known infertility issues. For each participant, blood samples were collected prior to ovarian stimulation, and follicular fluid samples were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval. Long-PCR amplification and next-generation sequencing were used to identify mtDNA mutations.

RESULTS

Ovarian stimulation-induced mtDNA mutations in follicular fluid were identified primarily in the D-loop region of the mitochondrial genome. These mutations were correlated with low oocyte counts and poor embryo quality, ultimately reducing IVF success rates. The accumulation of these mutations followed a time-dependent pattern, with longer stimulation durations resulting in higher mutation rates and lower pregnancy outcomes. Prolonged stimulations may exacerbate oxidative stress, negatively impacting oocyte quality.

CONCLUSIONS

By introducing the first sequencing of follicular fluid cf-mtDNA, this study establishes a direct link between ovarian stimulation-induced mtDNA mutations and reduced IVF efficacy, highlighting them as non-invasive biomarkers for predicting IVF outcomes. Future research may focus on optimizing stimulation protocols or incorporating antioxidants to minimize mtDNA mutations, improving oocyte quality and overall IVF success rates for patients.

Antimüllerian hormone and antral follicle count thresholds for hyperresponse risk assessment in in vitro fertilization: a Hyperresponse Risk Assessment consensus study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) thresholds indicating an increased risk of hyperresponse to ovarian stimulation (OS) during in vitro fertilization, as defined by the Hyperresponse Risk Assessment (HERA) Delphi Consensus.

DESIGN

A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Women with normal ovarian reserve markers according to the POSEIDON criteria (AMH level of ≥1.2 ng/mL and AFC of ≥5) undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle with conventional OS (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] level of ≥150 IU/d) using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (2015-2017) were included.

EXPOSURE

Hyperresponse was defined as ≥15 retrieved oocytes, on the basis of the HERA definition, compared with non-HERA hyperresponders, defined as patients with ovarian reserve markers within the normal range per the POSEIDON criteria and with <15 oocytes retrieved.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the AMH and AFC threshold values, indicating an increased risk of a hyperresponse, using receiver operator characteristic curves. Outcomes were further stratified by patients' age (<35 and ≥35 years). Multivariable logistic regression explored factors associated with an HERA hyperresponse.

RESULTS

A total of 4,220 patients were included, of whom 2,132 (50.5%) were hyperresponders. Receiver operator characteristic curves revealed the following thresholds for a hyperresponse: AMH level of ≥4.38 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC], 0.71) and AFC of ≥16 (AUC, 0.80) for the entire cohort; AMH level of ≥4.95 ng/mL (AUC, 0.68) and AFC of ≥18 (AUC, 0.76) for women aged <35 years (N = 3,056); and AMH level of ≥4.33 ng/mL (AUC, 0.77) and AFC of ≥15 (AUC, 0.86) for women aged ≥35 years (N = 1,164). Older women received higher median daily and total FSH doses than younger women. The AMH, AFC, female age, daily/total gonadotropin dose, type of gonadotropin, and trigger strategy were significant predictors for hyperresponse.

CONCLUSION

The AMH and AFC values at and above these thresholds warrant increased caution when planning gonadotropin dosing, regimen, and trigger strategies before OS. These thresholds were lower in older women, potentially due to higher FSH dosing in this population.

Unusual ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome presentation: Pleural effusion without ascites. A case report

BACKGROUND

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening complication that can occur in the luteal phase or early pregnancy after controlled ovarian stimulation. This case report highlights a unique manifestation of OHSS involving pleural effusion (PE) in a patient without identifiable risk factors.

CASE SUMMARY

A 39-year-old woman who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle experienced dyspnea on the eleventh day of post oocyte retrieval. The diagnosis was severe OHSS with a unique manifestation of PE without ascites. Clinical management involved fluid balance and treatment with albumin, furosemide, thromboembolic prophylaxis, and thoracentesis. A continued drainage of the pleural cavity was performed. The patient had a favorable outcome, and a dichorionic diamniotic gestation passed without incident.

CONCLUSION

OHSS and its potential complications can include respiratory distress and PE, as well as thromboembolic disorders.

Pharmacogenomic of LH and its receptor: are we ready for clinical practice?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is fundamental to support development and reproduction. It acts through a receptor expressed in the gonads, modulating mitogenic, anti-apoptotic, and steroidogenic signals. LH is also marketed as a drug for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), where it is administered to women to support the action of follicle-stimulating hormone and can lead to specific responses, depending on the individual genetic background. These concepts underline the relevance of a pharmacogenetic approach to COS, in the attempt to optimize clinical outcomes and avoid adverse events. However, knowledge is currently limited by the paucity of clinical studies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of LH and its receptor activity, starting from the description of their molecular pathways from in vitro studies. Data on LH action from in vivo studies were described, as well as the impact of LH and LH/choriogonadotropin (hCG) receptor genetic variants on folliculogenesis and its association with infertility or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Finally, evidence from clinical studies evaluating genetic polymorphisms in the context of assisted reproductive technology treatments and its implications for a pharmacogenomic approach were discussed.

A novel antimüllerian gene mutation in a woman with high antral follicle count and extremely low serum antimüllerian hormone levels

Objective

To report a case with a distinct difference between the ovarian reserve parameters of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), and follicle-stimulating hormone levels caused by a novel homozygous missense variant in the exon 1 of the AMH gene [NM_000479.4:c259G>A, p.(Val87Met)].

Design

Case report.

Setting

Tertiary referral in vitro fertilization clinic.

Patients

A 33-year-old woman, G4P4A0E0L4, with a BMI of 25.33 kg/m2, high AFC, and repeated extremely low systemic AMH levels, was detected and measured using multiple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Interventions

Antimüllerian hormone analysis with multiple assays, whole exome sequencing through next generation sequencing to diagnose the missense variant, and inhibin B measurement.

Main Outcomes Measures

Genetic counseling and two subsequent ovarian stimulations for successful fertility preservation.

Results

Detection of the [NM_000479.4:c259G>A, p.(Val87Met)] variant in the AMH gene. Retrieval and cryopreservation of four euploid blastocysts and 26 metaphase II oocytes.

Conclusions

AMH gene mutations can lead to the absence of systemic AMH levels and might be discordant to other ovarian reserve markers like AFC, follicle-stimulating hormone, and inhibin B, without affecting the ovarian response to ovarian stimulation. Clinicians should not rely exclusively on AMH levels for ovarian stimulation. When severely reduced AMH levels are found in patients with high AFC, AMH variants should be suspected, and fertility treatments should be tailored adequately.

Effectiveness of recombinant human FSH: recombinant human LH combination treatment versus recombinant human FSH alone for assisted reproductive technology in women aged 35-40 years

RESEARCH QUESTION

According to real-world data, is recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH alone more effective for women of advanced maternal age (AMA) in terms of live birth?

DESIGN

Non-interventional study comparing the effectiveness of r-hFSH and recombinant r-hLH (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register.

RESULTS

Overall clinical pregnancy (29.8%, 95% CI 28.2 to 31.6 versus 27.8%, 95% CI 26.5 to 29.2) and live birth (20.3%, 95% CI 18.7 to 21.8 versus 18.0%, 95% CI 16.6 to 19.4) rates were not significantly different between the combined r-hFSH and r-hLH group and the r-hFSH alone group (P = 0.269 and P = 0.092, respectively). Treatment effect was significantly higher for combined r-hFSH and r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone for clinical pregnancy (33.1%, 95% CI 31.0 to 35.0 versus 28.5%, 95% CI 26.6 to 30.4; P = 0.001, not adjusted for multiplicity) and live birth (22.5%, 95% CI 20.5 to 24.2 versus 19.4%, 95% CI 17.6 to 20.9; P = 0.014, not adjusted for multiplicity) in a post-hoc analysis of women with five to 14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of combined r-hFSH and r-hLH for ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve.

CONCLUSIONS

Women of AMA with normal ovarian response benefit from treatment with combined r-hFSH and r-hLH in a 2:1 ratio versus r-hFSH alone in terms of live birth rate. The effectiveness of treatments is best assessed by RCTs; however, real-world data are valuable for examining the effectiveness of fertility treatment, especially among patient groups that are not well represented in clinical trials.

The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization

PURPOSE

To provide agreed-upon guidelines on the management of a hyper-responsive patient undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) METHODS: A literature search was performed regarding the management of hyper-response to OS for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 4 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥66% of the participants agreed, and ≤3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. A total of 28/31 experts responded (selected for global coverage), anonymous to each other.

RESULTS

A total of 26/28 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. The target number of oocytes to be collected in a stimulation cycle for IVF in an anticipated hyper-responder is 15-19 (89.3% consensus). For a potential hyper-responder, it is preferable to achieve a hyper-response and freeze all than aim for a fresh transfer (71.4% consensus). GnRH agonists should be avoided for pituitary suppression in anticipated hyper-responders performing IVF (96.4% consensus). The preferred starting dose in the first IVF stimulation cycle of an anticipated hyper-responder of average weight is 150 IU/day (82.1% consensus). ICoasting in order to decrease the risk of OHSS should not be used (89.7% consensus). Metformin should be added before/during ovarian stimulation to anticipated hyper-responders only if the patient has PCOS and is insulin resistant (82.1% consensus). In the case of a hyper-response, a dopaminergic agent should be used only if hCG will be used as a trigger (including dual/double trigger) with or without a fresh transfer (67.9% consensus). After using a GnRH agonist trigger due to a perceived risk of OHSS, luteal phase rescue with hCG and an attempt of a fresh transfer is discouraged regardless of the number of oocytes collected (72.4% consensus). The choice of the FET protocol is not influenced by the fact that the patient is a hyper-responder (82.8% consensus). In the cases of freeze all due to OHSS risk, a FET cycle can be performed in the immediate first menstrual cycle (92.9% consensus).

CONCLUSION

These guidelines for the management of hyper-response can be useful for tailoring patient care and for harmonizing future research.