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Xia L, Han S, Huang J, Zhao Y, Tian L, Zhang S, Cai L, Xia L, Liu H, Wu Q. Predicting personalized cumulative live birth rate after a complete in vitro fertilization cycle: an analysis of 32,306 treatment cycles in China. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:65. [PMID: 38849798 PMCID: PMC11158004 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01237-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) has been regarded as a key measure of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success after a complete treatment cycle. Women undergoing IVF face great psychological pressure and financial burden. A predictive model to estimate CLBR is needed in clinical practice for patient counselling and shaping expectations. METHODS This retrospective study included 32,306 complete cycles derived from 29,023 couples undergoing IVF treatment from 2014 to 2020 at a university-affiliated fertility center in China. Three predictive models of CLBR were developed based on three phases of a complete cycle: pre-treatment, post-stimulation, and post-treatment. The non-linear relationship was treated with restricted cubic splines. Subjects from 2014 to 2018 were randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7:3 for model derivation and internal validation, while subjects from 2019 to 2020 were used for temporal validation. RESULTS Predictors of pre-treatment model included female age (non-linear relationship), antral follicle count (non-linear relationship), body mass index, number of previous IVF attempts, number of previous embryo transfer failure, type of infertility, tubal factor, male factor, and scarred uterus. Predictors of post-stimulation model included female age (non-linear relationship), number of oocytes retrieved (non-linear relationship), number of previous IVF attempts, number of previous embryo transfer failure, type of infertility, scarred uterus, stimulation protocol, as well as endometrial thickness, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on trigger day. Predictors of post-treatment model included female age (non-linear relationship), number of oocytes retrieved (non-linear relationship), cumulative Day-3 embryos live-birth capacity (non-linear relationship), number of previous IVF attempts, scarred uterus, stimulation protocol, as well as endometrial thickness, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on trigger day. The C index of the three models were 0.7559, 0.7744, and 0.8270, respectively. All models were well calibrated (p = 0.687, p = 0.468, p = 0.549). In internal validation, the C index of the three models were 0.7422, 0.7722, 0.8234, respectively; and the calibration P values were all greater than 0.05. In temporal validation, the C index were 0.7430, 0.7722, 0.8234 respectively; however, the calibration P values were less than 0.05. CONCLUSIONS This study provides three IVF models to predict CLBR according to information from different treatment stage, and these models have been converted into an online calculator ( https://h5.eheren.com/hcyc/pc/index.html#/home ). Internal validation and temporal validation verified the good discrimination of the predictive models. However, temporal validation suggested low accuracy of the predictive models, which might be attributed to time-associated amelioration of IVF practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leizhen Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyun Han
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jialv Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Columbia College of Art and Science, the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Child Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Leixiang Xia
- Department of Acupuncture, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Qiongfang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China.
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Ata B, Mathyk B, Telek S, Kalafat E. Walking on thin endometrium. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:186-191. [PMID: 38572695 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endometrial thickness has been regarded a predictor of success in assisted reproductive technology cycles and it seems a common practice to cancel embryo transfer when it is below a cut-off. However, various cut-offs have been proposed without a causal relationship between endometrial thickness and embryo implantation being established, casting doubt on the current dogma. RECENT FINDINGS Methodological limitations of the available studies on endometrial thickness are increasingly recognized and better designed studies do not demonstrate a cut-off value which requires cancelling an embryo transfer. SUMMARY Endometrium is important for implantation and a healthy pregnancy; however, ultrasound measured thickness does not seem to be a good marker of endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Ata
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Begum Mathyk
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Savci Telek
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
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Lai S, Zhang L, Luo Y, Gu Z, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Liang Y, Huang M, Liang J, Gu S, Chen J, Li L, Chen D, Du L. A sonographic endometrial thickness <7 mm in women undergoing in vitro fertilization increases the risk of placenta accreta spectrum. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00414-9. [PMID: 38432419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of placenta accreta spectrum, a potentially life-threatening condition, has exhibited a significant global rise in recent decades. Effective screening methods and early identification strategies for placenta accreta spectrum could enable early treatment and improved outcomes. Endometrial thickness plays a crucial role in successful embryo implantation and favorable pregnancy outcomes. Extensive research has been conducted on the impact of endometrial thickness on assisted reproductive technology cycles, specifically in terms of pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and pregnancy loss rates. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the influence of endometrial thickness on placenta accreta spectrum. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between preimplantation endometrial thickness and the occurrence of placenta accreta spectrum in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles. STUDY DESIGN A total of 4637 women who had not undergone previous cesarean delivery and who conceived by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer treatment and subsequently delivered at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between January 2008 and December 2020 were included in this study. To explore the relationship between endometrial thickness and placenta accreta spectrum, we used smooth curve fitting, threshold effect, and saturation effect analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association between endometrial thickness and placenta accreta spectrum while adjusting for potential confounding factors. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the influence of bias and unmeasured confounders. Furthermore, we used causal mediation effect analysis to investigate the mediating role of endometrial thickness in the relationship between gravidity and ovarian stimulation protocol and the occurrence of placenta accreta spectrum. RESULTS Among the 4637 women included in this study, pregnancies with placenta accreta spectrum (159; 3.4%) had significantly thinner endometrial thickness (non-placenta accreta spectrum, 10.08±2.04 mm vs placenta accreta spectrum, 8.88±2.21 mm; P<.001) during the last ultrasound before embryo transfer. By using smooth curve fitting, it was found that changes in endometrial thickness had a significant effect on the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum up to a thickness of 10.9 mm, beyond which the effect plateaued. Then, the endometrial thickness was divided into the following 4 groups: ≤7, >7 to ≤10.9, >10.9 to ≤13, and >13 mm. The absolute rates of placenta accreta spectrum in each group were 11.91%, 3.73%, 1.35%, and 2.54%, respectively. Compared with women with an endometrial thickness from 10.9 to 13 mm, the odds of placenta accreta spectrum increased from an adjusted odds ratio of 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.86) for endometrial thickness from 7 to 10.9 mm to an adjusted odds ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence interval, 3.73-13.71) for endometrial thickness <7 mm after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Placenta previa remained as an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum (adjusted odds ratio, 11.80; 95% confidence interval, 7.65-18.19). Moreover, endometrial thickness <7 mm was still an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum (adjusted odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-9.73) in the matched cohort after PSM. Causal mediation analysis revealed that approximately 63.9% of the total effect of gravidity and 18.6% of the total effect of ovarian stimulation protocol on placenta accreta spectrum were mediated by endometrial thickness. CONCLUSION The findings of our study indicate that thin endometrial thickness is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum in women without previous cesarean delivery undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. The clinical significance of this risk factor is slightly lower than that of placenta previa. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that endometrial thickness plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between gravidity or ovarian stimulation protocol and placenta accreta spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siying Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Provice, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongjia Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenping Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuliang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyu Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minshan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingying Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shifeng Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Provice, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China.
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Turkgeldi E, Yildiz S, Kalafat E, Keles I, Ata B, Bozdag G. Can endometrial compaction predict live birth rates in assisted reproductive technology cycles? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2513-2522. [PMID: 37726586 PMCID: PMC10643758 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Endometrial compaction (EC) is defined as the difference in endometrial thickness from the end of the follicular phase to the day of embryo transfer (ET). We aimed to determine the role of EC in predicting assisted reproductive technology (ART) success by conducting a meta-analysis of studies reporting the association between EC and clinical outcomes of ART. METHODS MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from the date of inception to May 19, 2023. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR) per ET. Secondary outcomes were live birth or ongoing pregnancy per ET, ongoing pregnancy per ET, clinical pregnancy per ET, and miscarriage per clinical pregnancy. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included. When data from all studies reporting live birth were pooled, overall LBR rates were comparable in cycles showing EC or not [RR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.92 to 1.02; 10 studies, 11,710 transfer cycles]. In a subgroup of studies that included euploid ET cycles, a similar LBR for patients with and without EC was noted [RR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.86 to 1.13, 4 studies, 1172 cycles]. The miscarriage rate did not seem to be affected by the presence or absence of EC [RR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.90 to 1.24; 12 studies]. CONCLUSION The predictive value of EC in determining LBR is limited, and assessment of EC may no longer be necessary, given these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023410389.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Turkgeldi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - S Yildiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - I Keles
- Koc University Hospital, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B Ata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- ART Fertility Center, Dubai, UAE
| | - G Bozdag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Mathyk B, Schwartz A, DeCherney A, Ata B. A critical appraisal of studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103259. [PMID: 37516058 PMCID: PMC10528454 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
A receptive endometrium is required for successful embryo implantation. Endometrial thickness, as measured by ultrasonography, is the most commonly used marker of endometrial receptivity in assisted reproductive technology cycles. Several factors simultaneously affect both endometrial thickness and probability of live birth, including age, oestradiol concentration and oocyte number, among others. Most of the studies investigating a relationship between endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes are retrospective and do not adequately address confounding factors, in addition to other limitations. Despite multiple meta-analyses and studies with large numbers of cycles, controversy still exists. The difference between the results from prospective and retrospective studies is also striking. This article presents a critical appraisal of the studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes in order to highlight methodological issues and how they can be overcome in future studies. Currently available evidence does not seem to support a modification of management just because endometrial thickness is below an arbitrary threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Adina Schwartz
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan DeCherney
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Baris Ata
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.; ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates..
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Liang X, He J, He L, Lin Y, Li Y, Cai K, Wei J, Lu Y, Chen Z. An ultrasound-based deep learning radiomic model combined with clinical data to predict clinical pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer: a pilot cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103204. [PMID: 37248145 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can a multi-modal fusion model based on ultrasound-based deep learning radiomics combined with clinical parameters provide personalized evaluation of endometrial receptivity and predict the occurrence of clinical pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer (FET)? DESIGN Prospective cohort study of women (n = 326) who underwent FET between August 2019 and December 2021. Input quantitative variables and input image data for radiomic feature extraction were collected to establish a multi-modal fusion prediction model. An additional independent dataset of 453 ultrasound endometrial images was used to establish the segmentation model to determine the endometrial region on ultrasound images for analysis. The performance of different algorithms and different input data for prediction of FET outcome were compared. RESULTS A total of 240 patients with complete data were included in the final cohort. The proposed multi-modal fusion model performed significantly better than the use of either image or quantitative variables alone to predict the occurrence of clinical pregnancy after FET (P ≤ 0.034). Its area under the curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the proposed model were 0.825, 72.5%, 96.2%, 58.3%, 72.3% and 89.5%, respectively. The Dice coefficient of the multi-task endometrial ultrasound segmentation model was 0.89. Use of endometrial segmentation features significantly improved the prediction performance of the model (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS The multi-modal fusion model based on ultrasound-based deep learning radiomics combined with clinical quantitative variables offers a favourable and rapid non-invasive approach for personalized prediction of FET outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Liang
- Institution of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China; The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jianchong He
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu He
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuewei Li
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuan Cai
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wei
- Institution of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Institution of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang, China; The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
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Ata B, Liñán A, Kalafat E, Ruíz F, Melado L, Bayram A, Elkhatib I, Lawrenz B, Fatemi HM. Effect of the endometrial thickness on the live birth rate: insights from 959 single euploid frozen embryo transfers without a cutoff for thickness. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:91-98. [PMID: 36870593 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether endometrial thickness (ET) independently affects the live birth rate (LBR) after embryo transfer. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Private assisted reproductive technology center. PATIENT(S) A total of 959 single euploid frozen embryo transfers. INTERVENTION(S) Vitrified euploid blastocyst transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live birth rate per embryo transfer. RESULT(S) The conditional density plots did not demonstrate either a linear relationship between the ET and LBR or a threshold below which the LBR decreased perceivably. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses did not suggest a predictive value of the ET for the LBR. The area under the curve values were 0.55, 0.54, and 0.54 in the overall, programmed, and natural cycle transfers, respectively. Logistic regression analyses with age, embryo quality, day of trophectoderm biopsy, body mass index, and ET did not suggest an independent effect of the ET on the LBR. CONCLUSION(S) We did not identify a threshold of the ET that either precluded live birth or under which the LBR decreases perceivably. Common practice of cancelling embryo transfers when the ET is <7 mm may not be justified. Prospective studies, in which the management of the transfer cycle would not be altered by ET, would provide higher-quality evidence on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Ata
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkish Republic.
| | | | - Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkish Republic; Middle East Technical University, Ankara
| | - Francisco Ruíz
- ART Fertility Clinics, Muscat, Oman; ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laura Melado
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asina Bayram
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Barbara Lawrenz
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Women's University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Lensen S, Lantsberg D, Gardner DK, Sophian AD, Wandafiana N, Kamath MS. The role of timing in frozen embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:832-838. [PMID: 36150920 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The process of implantation is characterized by a complex cross-talk between the endometrium and the blastocyst, with the endometrium only being receptive to implantation during a transient window of implantation of approximately 2-3 days during the midsecretory phase. The timing of embryo transfer, including frozen embryo transfer, is therefore critical to the success of implantation. In this article, we discuss various elements that may guide the timing of frozen embryo transfer, including the role of endometrial characteristics such as thickness, days postovulation or length of progesterone administration, stage of the embryo, and the application of endometrial receptivity tests to guide personalized embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Daniel Lantsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia; Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia and Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Mohan S Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Wang L, Jiang Y, Shen H, Ma X, Gao M, Jin P, Zhang R, Zhao L, Zhang X. Independent value of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin in predicting early pregnancy loss risks in IVF/ICSI cycles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992121. [PMID: 36248885 PMCID: PMC9556765 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is the most prevalent complication, particularly in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. The present study aimed to determine whether the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level after 14 days of embryo transfer, either alone or in conjunction with other parameters in IVF/ICSI cycles, could be used to predict subsequent EPL. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all couples who received clinical pregnancy and underwent fresh IVF/ICSI cycles at a single large reproductive medical center between January 2013 and June 2020. The research involved a total of 6600 cycles. For risk variables, we conducted the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and for risk scoring, we used logistic regression coefficients. To analyze relevant risk factors for EPL, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Areas under the curve (AUC) were determined and compared between β-hCG and other factors using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results β-hCG level was considerably lower in women who had EPL than in those who were ongoing pregnancy (564.03 ± 838.16 vs 1139.04 ± 1048.72 IU/L, p< 0.001). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression revealed that β-hCG levels were significantly correlated with the probability of EPL, independent of other risk factors. More importantly, the β-hCG level could independently predict the occurrence of EPL and was comparable to the model that combined other risk factors. The optimal serum β-hCG cut-off value for predicting EPL was 542.45 IU/L. Conclusions Our results suggest that the serum β-hCG level has a strong independent predictive value for EPL occurrence in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanbiao Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Panpan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuehong Zhang,
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10
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Tian H, Zhang H, Qiu H, Yang X, La X, Cui L. Influence of Maternal Age on the Relationship Between Endometrial Thickness and Ongoing Pregnancy Rates in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Retrospective Analysis of 2,562 Cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:821753. [PMID: 35586619 PMCID: PMC9108261 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.821753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, endometrial thickness (EMT) has been used routinely as the main clinical monitoring index. However, the current findings are conflicting. Method This was a single-center retrospective study of 2,054 couples (2,562 cycles) who underwent FET (including cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts) between January 2017 and August 2020 in the reproductive centers of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The primary outcome measure was the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR); the secondary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. Results After stratified analysis and adjusting for confounders such as maternal age, duration of infertility, number of high-quality embryos transferred, endometrial preparation protocol, number of transfer cycles, and stages of embryo transferred, we found a curvilinear relationship between EMT and the OPR in women < 35 years of age. For women with EMT ≤ 8 mm, the OPR increased by 150% for cleavage stage embryo transfer for every 1 mm increase in the EMT; similarly, it increased by 97% for blastocyst stage FET. However, there was a linear relationship between EMT and OPR in women aged ≥ 35 years. When blastocysts were transferred, for every 1 mm increase in the EMT the OPR increased significantly by 12%. But OPR after frozen-thawed cleavage stage embryos transfer did not increase significantly with increased EMT. Conclusions Our study showed that the OPR increased significantly with increased EMT between young women aged < 35 years with EMT ≤ 8 mm and older women who underwent transfer of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Tian
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hejiang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaolin La
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Cui
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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11
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Buyalos RP, Hubert GD, Shamonki MI. The mystery of optimal endometrial thickness…never too thick, but when is thin…too thin? Fertil Steril 2022; 117:801-802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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12
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Olgan S, Dırıcan EK, Sakıncı M, Caglar M, Ozsıpahı AC, Gul SM, Humaıdan P. Endometrial compaction does not predict the reproductive outcome after frozen thawed embryo transfer – A prospective cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:81-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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14
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Zheng Y, Chen B, Dai J, Xu B, Ai J, Jin L, Dong X. Thin endometrium is associated with higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight after frozen single blastocyst transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1040140. [PMID: 36440225 PMCID: PMC9685422 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1040140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been demonstrated that a thin endometrium is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy, but there is a paucity of research into whether a thin endometrium adversely affects perinatal outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study on 10098 frozen cycles with single blastocyst transfer, resulting in 5505 singleton clinical pregnancies, and 4314 singleton live births. Patients were divided into a thin endometrium group (<8 mm) and a normal endometrium group (≥8 mm). Multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines, receiver operating characteristic curve, and multivariable linear model were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The incidences of preterm birth (15.65 vs. 9.80%, aOR=1.69 [1.19-2.42]), low birth weight (8.40 vs. 4.10%, aOR=2.05 [1.27-3.30]) and gestational diabetes (6.87 vs. 4.17%, aOR=1.74 [1.05-2.90]) were all higher in the endometrial thickness (EMT) <8 mm group. The miscarriage rate was higher in the EMT <8 mm group than the EMT ≥8 mm group (27.91 vs. 20.39%, aOR=1.40 [1.10-1.79]). CONCLUSION A thin endometrium may be associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Therefore, embryo transfer should be performed with caution in these patients, and postponing to a later cycle with a thicker endometrium should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Biao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bei Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Jin, ; Xiyuan Dong,
| | - Xiyuan Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Jin, ; Xiyuan Dong,
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15
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Zhang CH, Chen C, Wang JR, Wang Y, Wen SX, Cao YP, Qian WP. An endometrial receptivity scoring system basing on the endometrial thickness, volume, echo, peristalsis, and blood flow evaluated by ultrasonography. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:907874. [PMID: 36017318 PMCID: PMC9395662 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.907874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Establishing a successful pregnancy depends on the endometrium and the embryo. It is estimated that suboptimal endometrial receptivity account for one-third of implantation failures. Despite the indepth understanding of the processes associated with embryo-endometrial cross-talk, little progress has been achieved for diagnosis and treatments for suboptimal endometrial receptivity. METHODS This retrospective study included women undergoing their first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles at our reproductive medicine center from March 2021 to August 2021. Transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound was performed in the morning on the day of embryo transfer for all the thawed embryo transfer patients, to evaluate endometrial receptivity, including endometrial thickness, echogenicity, volume, movement and blood flow. RESULTS A total number of 562 patients of FET with 315 pregnancies (56.0%) was analyzed. It was found that only the echo of the endometrial central line was different between the pregnant group and non-pregnant group. Other parameters, such as endometrial thickness, volume, endometrial peristalsis, or the endometrial blood flow were not statistically different between the two groups. Then, according to the relationship between the different groups and the clinical pregnancy rate, a score of 0 to 2 was respectively scored. The sum of the scores for the six items was the patient's endometrial receptivity score. It showed that the clinical pregnancy rate increased as the endometrial receptivity score increased, and when the receptivity score reaches at least 5, the clinical pregnancy rate is significantly improved (63.7% versus 49.5%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION We developed an endometrial receptivity scoring system and demonstrated its validity. It may aid clinicians in choosing the useful marker in clinical practice and for informing further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-hui Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia-rui Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Si-xi Wen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-pei Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-ping Qian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-ping Qian,
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16
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Kalafat E, Turkgeldi E, Yıldız S, Dizdar M, Keles I, Ata B. Outcomes of a GnRH Agonist Trigger Following a GnRH Antagonist or Flexible Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation Cycle. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:837880. [PMID: 35663329 PMCID: PMC9161281 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.837880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A suggested explanation for the pituitary-suppressive effects of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation cycles (PPOS) is pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) depletion with progestin exposure during the follicular phase. The GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger releases endogenous LH from the pituitary, and if the LH depletion theory is correct, the response to the agonist trigger would be dampened in PPOS cycles. In this study, we compared the performance of the GnRHa trigger after PPOS and GnRH antagonist ovarian stimulation cycles. All women who underwent ovarian stimulation with the GnRH antagonist or flexible PPOS (fPPOS) and received a GnRH agonist trigger were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes included number of metaphase-II (MII) oocytes retrieved per cycle, rates of empty follicle syndrome, maturation, fertilization, blastulation, and cumulative clinical pregnancy per stimulation cycle. During the screening period, there were 166 antagonists and 58 fPPOS cycles triggered with a GnRH agonist. Groups were matched for potential confounders using propensity score matching. Progestin-downregulated cycles had 19% high mature oocyte yield (median: 14 vs. 19 MII oocytes, P = 0.03). Cumulative ongoing pregnancy or live birth rates were estimated after matching for transferred embryo count, and rates were similar between GnRH antagonist and fPPOS group (57.0% vs. 62.1%, P = 0.68). However, the number of remaining blastocysts was higher in the fPPOS group (median: 5.0 vs. 6.0, P < 0.001). LH levels were higher in fPPOS cycles compared to GnRH antagonist cycles up to the trigger day (P < 0.001). After the GnRHa trigger, fPPOS cycles were associated with a steeper LH surge compared with antagonist cycles (P = 0.02). Higher endogenous gonadotropin levels through the stimulation period and an LH surge of higher magnitude following a GnRHa trigger suggest a milder pituitary suppression by fPPOS, which needs to be confirmed in larger samples. It appears that progestins do not deplete pituitary LH reserves and a GnRHa trigger is usable after PPOS in women with high ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Engin Turkgeldi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sule Yıldız
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Dizdar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umraniye Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ipek Keles
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Ata
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Baris Ata,
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17
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Garneau AS, Young SL. Defining recurrent implantation failure: a profusion of confusion or simply an illusion? Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1432-1435. [PMID: 34836579 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a poorly defined clinical scenario marked by failure to achieve pregnancy after multiple embryo transfers. The causes and definitions of implantation failure are heterogeneous, posing limitations on study design as well as the interpretation and application of findings. Recent studies suggest a novel, personalized approach to defining RIF. Here, we review the implantation physiology and definitions of the implantation rate, failure, and RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey S Garneau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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18
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Mumusoglu S, Polat M, Ozbek IY, Bozdag G, Papanikolaou EG, Esteves SC, Humaidan P, Yarali H. Preparation of the Endometrium for Frozen Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:688237. [PMID: 34305815 PMCID: PMC8299049 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.688237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the worldwide increase in frozen embryo transfer, the search for the best protocol to prime endometrium continues. Well-designed trials comparing various frozen embryo transfer protocols in terms of live birth rates, maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcome are urgently required. Currently, low-quality evidence indicates that, natural cycle, either true natural cycle or modified natural cycle, is superior to hormone replacement treatment protocol. Regarding warmed blastocyst transfer and frozen embryo transfer timing, the evidence suggests the 6th day of progesterone start, LH surge+6 day and hCG+7 day in hormone replacement treatment, true natural cycle and modified natural cycle protocols, respectively. Time corrections, due to inter-personal differences in the window of implantation or day of vitrification (day 5 or 6), should be explored further. Recently available evidence clearly indicates that, in hormone replacement treatment and natural cycles, there might be marked inter-personal variation in serum progesterone levels with an impact on reproductive outcomes, despite the use of the same dose and route of progesterone administration. The place of progesterone rescue protocols in patients with low serum progesterone levels one day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer in hormone replacement treatment and natural cycles is likely to be intensively explored in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Polat
- Anatolia IVF and Women Health Centre, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Gurkan Bozdag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital Resenvej 25, Skive, Denmark
| | - Hakan Yarali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
- Anatolia IVF and Women Health Centre, Ankara, Turkey
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19
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Through thick and thin: time to stop worrying about endometrial thickness? Fertil Steril 2021; 116:71-72. [PMID: 34052013 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Liao Z, Liu C, Cai L, Shen L, Sui C, Zhang H, Qian K. The Effect of Endometrial Thickness on Pregnancy, Maternal, and Perinatal Outcomes of Women in Fresh Cycles After IVF/ICSI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:814648. [PMID: 35222264 PMCID: PMC8874279 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.814648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thin endometrium on ovulation triggering day is associated with impaired pregnancy outcomes in women after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), but the role of thick endometrium on pregnancy outcomes remains controversial. Moreover, there has been insufficient evidence currently to analyze the influence of endometrial thickness (EMT) on obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EMT on pregnancy, maternal, and perinatal outcomes in an enlarged sample size. METHODS The databases Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, and Web of Science were searched for English articles evaluating the correlation between EMT and pregnancy, maternal, or perinatal outcomes in women who underwent IVF/ICSI. We included studies that depicted a clear definition of outcomes and EMT grouping on ovulation triggering day. The EMT effect was analyzed in fresh cycle. Qualities of studies were assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for analyzing dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively, under a fixed or random effect model. RESULTS A total of 22 pieces of literature were included for the final meta-analysis. A decreased trend towards pregnancy outcomes was observed, such as live birth rate (LBR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and implantation rate (IR) in the thin endometrium groups (EMT <7 mm). In contrast, thick endometrium (EMT >14 mm) had no effect on pregnancy outcomes compared to medium EMT groups (EMT 7-14 mm). Moreover, thin endometrium (EMT <7.5 mm) enhanced the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, and decreased the birthweight (BW) of babies. CONCLUSIONS Our studies indicated that thin endometrium not only had detrimental effect on pregnancy outcomes, but also increased the risk of HDP in women and SGA of babies, or decreased BW of babies. The thick endometrium does not have an adverse effect on IVF outcomes. Therefore, patients need to be informed on possible obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes caused by thin endometrium and are encouraged to actively cooperate with perinatal care. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=242637), identifier CRD42021242637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical College, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Chang Liu, ; Hanwang Zhang, ; Kun Qian,
| | - Lei Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Chang Liu, ; Hanwang Zhang, ; Kun Qian,
| | - Kun Qian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Chang Liu, ; Hanwang Zhang, ; Kun Qian,
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