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Capodanno F, Anastasi A, Cinti M, Bonesi F, Gallinelli A. Current and future methods for embryo selection: on a quest for reliable strategies to reduce time to pregnancy. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:80-88. [PMID: 37162493 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05257-0] [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: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of the principal embryological strategies to reduce time to pregnancy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search of publications in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases from inception to present including "IVF," "blastocyst," "embryo colture," "competent embryo," "time to pregnancy," "aneuploid," "euploid," "vitrification," "preimplantation genetic," "IVF strategies" and "embryo selection" alone or in combinations has been done. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS We have selected 230 articles and 9 of them have been included in this mini-review. CONCLUSIONS Several embryological strategies aimed to select the most competent embryo and reduce time to pregnancy have been proposed, even if few publications on this specific topic are available. preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) represents the unique method able to assess the embryonic chromosomal status, but this does not mean that PGT-A is a reliable strategy to reduce time to pregnancy. There is no consensus on a specific method to reduce time to pregnancy, nevertheless this final goal could be probably reached through a harmonious combination of procedures. Thus, a reliable strategy to reduce time to pregnancy could be achieved when embryo culture, embryo cryopreservation and PGT-A are perfectly integrated and appropriately offered to selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Capodanno
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Attilio Anastasi
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy -
| | - Marialuisa Cinti
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonesi
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallinelli
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mensing LC, Eliasen TU, Johansen MN, Berntsen J, Montag M, Iversen LH, Gabrielsen A. Using blastocyst re-expansion rate for deciding when to warm a new blastocyst for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103378. [PMID: 37862858 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103378] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can predictive post-warm parameters that support the decision to transfer a warmed blastocyst or to warm another blastocyst be identified in women with multiple frozen-vitrified blastocysts? DESIGN Retrospective single-centre observational cohort analysis. A total of 1092 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers (SVBT) with known Gardner score, maternal age and live birth were used to develop live birth prediction models based on logistic regression, including post-warm re-expansion parameters. Time-lapse incubation was used for pre-vitrification and post-warm embryo culture. A dataset of 558 SVBT with the same inclusion criteria was used to validate the model, but with known clinical pregnancy outcome instead of live birth outcome. RESULTS Three different logistic regression models were developed for predicting live birth based on post-warm blastocyst re-expansion. Different post-warm assessment times indicated that a 2-h post-warm culture period was optimal for live birth prediction (model 1). Adjusting for pre-vitrification Gardner score (model 2) and in combination with maternal age (model 3) further increased predictability (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.623, 0.633, 0.666, respectively). Model validation gave an AUC of 0.617, 0.609 and 0.624, respectively. The false negative rate and true negative rate for model 3 were 2.0 and 10.1 in the development dataset and 3.5 and 8.0 in the validation dataset. CONCLUSIONS Clinical application of a simple model based on 2 h of post-warm re-expansion data, pre-vitrification Gardner score and maternal age can support a standardized approach for deciding if warming another blastocyst may increase the likelihood of live birth in SVBT.
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Vale-Fernandes E, Barreiro M, Leal C, Macedo RZ, Tomé A, Monteiro MP. Elevated Anti-Müllerian Hormone as a Prognostic Factor for Poor Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3150. [PMID: 38137371 PMCID: PMC10740605 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to have elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, which appear to correlate with disease severity and pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective observational study designed to assess the relationship between circulating AMH levels and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The study involved 150 women with PCOS who underwent IVF treatments. The women's IVF cycles were allocated into three subgroups according to AMH levels: 'low' (AMH < 3.7 ng/mL; n = 49), 'middle' (AMH 3.7-7.4 ng/mL; n = 94), and 'high' (AMH > 7.4 ng/mL; n = 56). All pregnancy-related outcomes (positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βHCG), clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and cumulative live birth rate) were greater in women's IVF cycles with 'low' AMH when compared to those with 'middle' or 'high' AMH (p < 0.05). AMH levels below 3.7 ng/mL were found to be associated with lower oocyte immaturity rate and better pregnancy outcomes, although baseline AMH was not shown to have any significant predictive power for live birth and cumulative live birth in the multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for possible confounders nor in the ROC analyses. In summary, the current study lays the groundwork to validate high AMH levels as a poor prognostic factor for pregnancy outcomes after IVF in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emídio Vale-Fernandes
- Centre for Medically Assisted Procreation/Public Gamete Bank, Gynaecology Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.L.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Barreiro
- Centre for Medically Assisted Procreation/Public Gamete Bank, Gynaecology Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.L.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Leal
- Centre for Medically Assisted Procreation/Public Gamete Bank, Gynaecology Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.L.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Zulmira Macedo
- Gynaecology Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal; (R.Z.M.); (A.T.)
| | - António Tomé
- Gynaecology Department, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal; (R.Z.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Mariana P. Monteiro
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pilegaard SP, Schmidt L, Stormlund S, Koert E, Bogstad JW, Prætorius L, Nielsen HS, la Cour Freiesleben N, Sopa N, Klajnbard A, Humaidan P, Bergh C, Englund ALM, Løssl K, Pinborg A. Psychosocial wellbeing shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy compared with a fresh transfer strategy in women and men: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2175-2186. [PMID: 37742131 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead188] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the psychosocial wellbeing affected in women and men shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy with postponement of embryo transfer compared to a fresh transfer strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER In general, psychosocial wellbeing (i.e. emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit) was similar in women and men allocated to a freeze-all versus those allocated to a fresh-transfer strategy 6 days after disclosure of treatment strategy (i.e. 4 days after oocyte retrieval), although women in the freeze-all group reported a slightly higher degree of depressive symptoms and mood swings compared to women in the fresh transfer group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The use of a freeze-all strategy, i.e. freezing of the entire embryo cohort followed by elective frozen embryo transfer in subsequent cycles has increased steadily over the past decade in assisted reproductive technology (ART). This strategy essentially eliminates the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and has proven beneficial regarding some reproductive outcomes in subgroups of women. However, patients experience a longer time interval between oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer, hence a longer time to pregnancy, possibly adding additional stress to the ART treatment. So far, little focus has been on the possible psychosocial strains caused by postponement of embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a self-reported questionnaire based sub-study of a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 460 women and 396 male partners initiating their first, second, or third treatment cycle of invitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from May 2016 to September 2018. This sub-study was included in the primary project protocol and project plan for the RCT, as psychosocial wellbeing was considered a secondary outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women from eight public fertility clinics in Denmark and Sweden and one private clinic in Spain were randomized in a 1:1 ratio on the day of inclusion (menstrual cycle day 2 or 3) to either a freeze-all strategy with postponement of embryo transfer to a subsequent modified natural menstrual cycle or a fresh transfer strategy with embryo transfer in the hormone stimulated cycle. Treatment allocation was blinded until the day of the ovulation trigger. Women and their male partners were asked to complete a validated self-reported questionnaire 6 days after unblinding of treatment group allocation, corresponding to 4 days after oocyte retrieval, investigating their psychosocial wellbeing related to the treatment defined as emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit. The questionnaire included items from the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) Fertility Problem Stress Scales and the COMPI Marital Benefit Measure. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups for both women and men. In total, response rates were 90.7% for women and 90.2% for men. In the freeze-all group, 207 women and 179 men completed the questionnaire compared with 204 women and 178 men in the fresh transfer group. Men in the two treatment groups did not differ in any of the explored aspects of psychosocial wellbeing (i.e. emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit) 6 days after disclosure of treatment strategy. Women in the freeze-all group reported a slightly higher degree of depressive symptoms (P = 0.045) and mood swings (P = 0.001) (i.e. variables included in 'emotional reactions to treatment') compared to women in the fresh transfer group. When adjusted for multiple testing, depressive symptoms were no longer significantly different between the two groups. No additional differences in psychosocial wellbeing were found. Self-reported quality-of-life during treatment was also rated as similar between the two groups in both women and men, but was slightly lower than they would rate their quality-of-life when not in fertility treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although response rates were high, selection bias cannot be excluded. As this study was an RCT, we assume that psychosocial characteristics of the participants were equally distributed in the two groups, thus it is unlikely that the identified psychosocial differences between the freeze-all and fresh transfer group were present already at baseline. Furthermore, the questionnaire was completed as a one-time assessment 4 days after oocyte retrieval, thus not reflecting the whole treatment process, whereas an assessment after the full completed treatment cycle is needed to draw firm conclusions about the psychosocial consequences of the whole waiting period. However, a question posted that late would be highly biased on whether or not a pregnancy had been achieved. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results indicate that individuals in the freeze-all group exhibited slightly higher levels of depressive symptoms and mood swings compared to those in the fresh transfer group. Nevertheless, it is important to note that any worries related to potential emotional strains stemming from delaying embryo transfer should not overshadow the adoption of a freeze-all approach in cases where it is clinically recommended. As long as patients are provided with comprehensive information about the treatment strategy before initiating the process, it is worth emphasising that other aspects of psychosocial wellbeing were comparable between the two groups. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study is part of the Reprounion collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak. L.P. reports financial support from Merck A/S. H.S.N. reports grants from Freya Biosciences ApS, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, BioInnovation Institute, Ministry of Education, Novo Nordic Foundation, Augustinus Fonden, Oda og Hans Svenningsens Fond, Demant Fonden, Ole Kirks Fond and Independent Research Fund Denmark and personal fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Astra Zeneca, Cook Medical, IBSA Nordic and Gedeon Richter. H.S.N is founder and chairman of the Maternity Foundation and co-developed the Safe Delivery App (non-profit). N.C.F. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Merck A/S, Cryos International and financial support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S and Gedeon Richter. N.C.F. is chairman in the steering committee for the guideline groups for The Danish Fertility Society (non-profit). P.H. reports honoraria from Merch A/S, IBSA Nordic and Gedeon Richter. A.L.M.E. reports grants and financial support from Merck A/S and Gedeon Richter. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S and personal fees from Preglem S.A., Novo Nordic Foundation, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos International, Merch A/S, Theramex and Organon and the lend of embryoscope to the institution from Gedeon Richter. All other authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02746562.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pind Pilegaard
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sacha Stormlund
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Emily Koert
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Wulff Bogstad
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Prætorius
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina la Cour Freiesleben
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Negjyp Sopa
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anna Klajnbard
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Department, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Lis Mikkelsen Englund
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Kristine Løssl
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Feferkorn I, Santos-Ribeiro S, Ubaldi FM, Velasco JG, Ata B, Blockeel C, Conforti A, Esteves SC, Fatemi HM, Gianaroli L, Grynberg M, Humaidan P, Lainas GT, La Marca A, LaTasha C, Lathi R, Norman RJ, Orvieto R, Paulson R, Pellicer A, Polyzos NP, Roque M, Sunkara SK, Tan SL, Urman B, Venetis C, Weissman A, Yarali H, Dahan MH. The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2681-2695. [PMID: 37713144 PMCID: PMC10643792 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02918-5] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Feferkorn
- IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - F M Ubaldi
- GeneraLife Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | | | - B 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
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Jette, Belgium
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - S C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado 1464, Campinas, SP, 13075-460, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H M Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - L Gianaroli
- Società Italiana Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, S.I.S.Me.R. Reproductive Medicine Institute, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - M Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, University Paris-Sud (Paris XI), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Clamart, France
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Resenvej 25, 7800, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - A La Marca
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - C LaTasha
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - R Lathi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - R J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- FertilitySA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation MCHRI, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CRE-WHiRL), Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - R Paulson
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - A Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
| | - N P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, ORIGEN-Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S K Sunkara
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S L Tan
- OriginElle Fertility Clinic 2110 Boul. Decarie, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assisted Reproduction, American Hospital, Istanbul, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - C Venetis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Dept of OB/Gyn, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Virtus Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Weissman
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - H Yarali
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Anatolia IVF and Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University Health Care Center, 888 Boul. de Maisonneuve E #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
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7
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Zhang L, Yin CQ, Sun SJ, Teng XQ, Li DY, Sun J, Cui YY. Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35489. [PMID: 37800751 PMCID: PMC10553160 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHOD A total of 130 patients with PCOS admitted to our hospital from April 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the research subjects. They were evenly divided according to a random number table method. The control group received routine care for the patients, while the study group received comprehensive care for the patients. The IVF, pregnancy outcomes, negative emotional changes, serum and follicular fluid (FF) amyloid-related protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of the 2 groups of patients were compared. RESULT The data on IVF rate and pregnancy rate in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < .05). The SAS and SDS scores of the study group patients after intervention were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). After intervention, the levels of serum and FF amyloid associated protein and CRP in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION Patients with PCOS who receive comprehensive care can increase their probability of IVF, improve their pregnancy outcomes, and have a positive significance in reducing negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Cao-Qing Yin
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Shi-Jie Sun
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Qin Teng
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Dong-Yan Li
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Sun
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan-Yong Cui
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
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8
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Geng L, Lu S, Li S, Chen ZJ, Wei D, Liu P. An appraisal of current embryo transfer strategies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:815-823. [PMID: 37811841 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2265152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Embryo transfer, one of the most essential procedures in assisted reproductive technology, plays a vital role in the success of in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During the last decades, the strategies for embryo transfer have changed dramatically. In this review, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of several current embryo transfer strategies including fresh versus frozen embryo transfer, cleavage- versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, and single- versus double-embryo transfer. Available evidence indicates that the freeze-only strategy improves the live birth rate after the first embryo transfer in high responders while making no difference in normal responders. The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-only strategy. Fresh blastocyst-stage embryo transfer increased live birth rate compared to cleavage-stage embryo transfer. The best embryo transfer strategy is one which tailors to individual circumstances and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Geng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shiya Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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9
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Nanassy L, Schoepper B, Schultze-Mosgau A, Depenbusch M, Eggersmann TK, Hiller RAF, Griesinger G. Evaluation of live birth rates and perinatal outcomes following two sequential vitrification/warming events at the zygote and blastocyst stages. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2357-2365. [PMID: 37582908 PMCID: PMC10504135 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02909-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the outcome of sequential cryopreservation-thawing of zygotes followed by the cryopreservation-thawing of blastocysts in the course of an IVF treatment on live birth rate and neonatal parameters. METHODS Single center, retrospective chart review for the time period of 2015-2020. Clinical and perinatal outcomes were compared between frozen embryo transfer cycles utilizing twice-cryopreserved (n = 182) vs. once-cryopreserved (n = 282) embryos. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to adjust for relevant confounders. RESULTS After adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI), paternal age, fertilization method used, the number of oocytes retrieved in the fresh cycle, fertilization rate, and transfer medium, the transfer of twice-cryopreserved embryos resulted in a reduced probability of live birth (OR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.27-0.97; p=0.041) compared to once-cryopreserved embryos. No differences in the sex ratio, the mean gestational age, the mean length at birth, or the mean birth weight were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION The circumstantial use of sequential double vitrification-warming in course of treatment is associated with a reduced (but still reasonable) live birth rate compared to once-cryopreserved embryos. As the neonatal outcomes of twice-cryopreserved embryos are similar to once-cryopreserved embryos, this treatment option appears still valid as a rescue scenario in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Nanassy
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Beate Schoepper
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Askan Schultze-Mosgau
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marion Depenbusch
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tanja K Eggersmann
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Roman A F Hiller
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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10
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Griesinger G, Larsson P. Conventional outcome reporting per IVF cycle/embryo transfer may systematically underestimate chances of success for women undergoing ART: relevant biases in registries, epidemiological studies, and guidelines. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad018. [PMID: 37250429 PMCID: PMC10214861 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-conception counselling and management of expectations about chance of success of IVF/ICSI treatments is an integral part of fertility care. Registry data are usually used to inform patients about expected success rates of IVF/ICSI treatment, as these data should best represent real-world populations and clinical practice. In registries, the success rate of IVF/ICSI treatments is conventionally reported per treatment cycle or per embryo transfer and estimated from data for which several treatment attempts per subject have been pooled (e.g. repetitive IVF/ICSI attempts or repetitive attempts of cryotransfer). This, however, may underestimate the true mean chance of success per treatment attempt, because treatment attempts of women with a poor prognosis will usually be over-represented in a pool of treatment cycle data compared to treatment events of women with a good prognosis. Of note, this phenomenon is also a source of potential bias when comparing outcomes between fresh transfers and cryotransfers, since women can undergo a maximum of only one fresh transfer after each IVF/ICSI treatment, but potentially several cryotransfers. Herein, we use a trial dataset from 619 women, who underwent one cycle of ovarian stimulation and ICSI, a Day 5 fresh transfer and/or subsequent cryotransfers (follow-up of all cryotransfers up to 1 year after the start of stimulation), to exemplify the underestimation of the live birth rate, when not accounting for repeated transfers in the same woman. Using mixed-effect logistic regression modelling, we show that the mean live birth rate per transfer per woman in cryocycles is underestimated by the factor 0.69 (e.g. live birth rate per cryotransfer of 36% after adjustment versus 25% unadjusted). We conclude that the average chance of success of treatment cycles of women of a given age, treated in a given centre, etc., when conventionally calculated per cycle or per embryo transfer from a pool of treatment events, do not apply to an individual woman. We suggest that patients are, especially at the outset of treatment, systematically confronted with mean estimates of success per attempt that are too low. Live birth rates per transfer from datasets encompassing multiple transfers from single individuals could be more accurately reported using statistical models accounting for the correlation between cycle outcomes within women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Griesinger
- Correspondence address. University of Luebeck and University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck. Germany. Tel: +49-451-505-778-212; Fax: +49-451-505-778-210; E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0606-5804
| | - Per Larsson
- Global Biometrics, Global Clinical Development, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Kastrup, Denmark
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11
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Youngster M, Kedem A, Avraham S, Yerushalmi G, Baum M, Maman E, Hourvitz A, Gat I. Treatment safety of ART cycles with extremely high oestradiol concentrations using GnRH agonist trigger. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:519-526. [PMID: 36566147 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.11.019] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are IVF treatments with extremely high peak oestradiol levels and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger associated with higher complication rates? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study including patients from two large medical centres treated between 2019 and 2021. A study group with extremely high peak oestradiol levels (≥20,000 pmol/l on the day of ovarian stimulation, or ≥15,000 pmol/l on the previous day) and a control group with normal range oestradiol levels (3000-12000 pmol/l) that received GnRH agonist triggering. Patients were surveyed about complaints and medical care related to ovum retrieval and medical files were reviewed. Major complication rates and the need for medical assistance were compared. RESULTS Several differences between the study and control group were observed because of the study design: mean age was 33.01 ± 5.14 versus 34.57 ± 4.52 (P < 0.001), mean peak oestradiol levels was 26645.34 ± 8592.57 pmol/l versus 7229.75 ± 2329.20 pmol/l (P < 0.001), and mean number of oocytes were 27.55 ± 13.46 versus 11.67 ± 5.76 (P < 0.001) for the study and control group, respectively. Major complications and hospitalization rates were similar between the study and control groups (three [1.25%] versus one [0.48%]; P = 0.62 and three [1.25%] versus two [0.96%]; P = 1.0, respectively). Thirty-six patients (15.1%) in the study group and 11 (5.3%) in the control group sought medical care after retrieval, mostly due to abdominal pain, without the need for further workup or hospitalization (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Extremely high oestradiol levels were not associated with thromboembolic events, higher major complication or hospitalization rates, and therefore may be considered safe. Nevertheless, patients may be informed of possible higher rates of discomfort, mostly abdominal pain. Larger studies are warranted to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Youngster
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel.
| | - Alon Kedem
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Sarit Avraham
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Gil Yerushalmi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Micha Baum
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel; IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ettie Maman
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel; IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ariel Hourvitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Itai Gat
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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12
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Zong X, Guo Y, Li H, Li R, Qiao J. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes following frozen and fresh embryo transfer in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma: a retrospective study in a high-volume reproductive center. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:92. [PMID: 36737751 PMCID: PMC9896787 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is ongoing debate regarding which embryo transfer procedure can achieve a higher live birth rate. Research has suggested that frozen ET might be beneficial for certain populations, such as hyper-responders. This study aimed to compare outcomes of pregnancies between frozen and fresh embryo transfer cycles in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a high-volume reproductive center from January 2010 to January 2022. Patients who were diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and endometrial carcinoma were included. They all underwent in vitro fertilization after conservative treatment. The primary outcome was live birth after frozen and fresh embryo transfer cycles, and secondary outcomes included perinatal complications and other pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 259 ET cycles (130 fresh and 129 frozen) were included. The rate of live births per embryo transfer cycle of the whole cohort was 20.8% (54/259), and no significant between-group difference was found after adjusting for potential confounding factors (23.8% vs. 17.8%; adjusted OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.21-1.06; p=0.068). Compared to fresh embryo transfer group, the incidence of total maternal complications in the frozen embryo transfer group was significantly higher (30.4% vs. 6.5%, p=0.019). Analyzing each complication as a separate entity, patients in the frozen embryo transfer group had a higher incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (p=0.028). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that frozen embryo transfer was related with an increased occurrence of maternal complications (OR, 6.68, 95% CI, 1.01-44.19, p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, the rate of live births was comparable between both embryo transfer procedures, while frozen embryo transfer might be associated with a higher risk of maternal complications compared to that with fresh embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zong
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yaxing Guo
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Hongzhen Li
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Rong Li
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jie Qiao
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
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13
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Drakopoulos P, Khalaf Y, Esteves SC, Polyzos NP, Sunkara SK, Shapiro D, Rizk B, Ye H, Costello M, Koloda Y, Salle B, Lispi M, D'Hooghe T, La Marca A. Treatment algorithms for high responders: What we can learn from randomized controlled trials, real-world data and models. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102301. [PMID: 36646567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102301] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A high ovarian response to conventional ovarian stimulation (OS) is characterized by an increased number of follicles and/or oocytes compared with a normal response (10-15 oocytes retrieved). According to current definitions, a high response can be diagnosed before oocyte pick-up when >18-20 follicles ≥11-12 mm are observed on the day of ovulation triggering; high response can be diagnosed after oocyte pick-up when >18-20 oocytes have been retrieved. Women with a high response are also at high risk of early ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS)/or late OHSS after fresh embryo transfers. Women at risk of high response can be diagnosed before stimulation based on several indices, including ovarian reserve markers (anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC], with cutoff values indicative of a high response in patients with PCOS of >3.4 ng/mL for AMH and >24 for AFC). Owing to the high proportion of high responders who are at the risk of developing OHSS (up to 30%), this educational article provides a framework for the identification and management of patients who fall into this category. The risk of high response can be greatly reduced through appropriate management, such as individualized choice of the gonadotropin starting dose, dose adjustment based on hormonal and ultrasound monitoring during OS, the choice of down-regulation protocol and ovulation trigger, and the choice between fresh or elective frozen embryo transfer. Appropriate management strategies still need to be defined for women who are predicted to have a high response and those who have an unexpected high response after starting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt.
| | - Yakoub Khalaf
- Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent (UZ Gent), 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Sesh K Sunkara
- Department of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Botros Rizk
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Hong Ye
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing, China; Reproductive and Genetic Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No. 64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Michael Costello
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW and Royal Hospital for Women and Monash IVF, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yulia Koloda
- Center of Reproduction "Life Line", Moscow, Russia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Bruno Salle
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500, Bron, France; Université Claude Bernard, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud, 165 Chemin Du Petit Revoyet, Oullins, France; INSERM Unité, 1208, 18 Avenue Doyen Lépine, Bron, France
| | - Monica Lispi
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, USA
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and Clinica Eugin, Modena, Italy
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14
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Venetis C, Keller E, Chambers GM. Freeze-all embryos during treatment with assisted reproduction: Health economic aspects. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102303. [PMID: 36658073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102303] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies are evolving, with the most recent example being the introduction of the freeze-all policy during which a fresh embryo transfer does not take place and all embryos of good quality are cryopreserved to be used in future frozen embryo transfers. As the freeze-all policy is becoming more prevalent, it is important to review the economic aspects of this approach, along with considerations of efficacy and safety, and the role of emerging freeze-all-specific ovarian stimulation strategies. Based on the available evidence, the freeze-all policy presents distinct clinical advantages, particularly for high responders. Available health economic evaluations are limited. Two good-quality cost-effectiveness analyses based on randomized controlled trials suggest that the freeze-all strategy is unlikely to be cost-effective in non-polycystic ovarian syndrome (non-PCOS), normally responding patients. However, the cost-effectiveness of the freeze-all strategy in different populations of patients and in different settings has not been evaluated, nor has the clinical and economic efficacy of modern freeze-all-specific ovarian stimulation protocols that are likely to simplify treatment and make it more affordable for patients. Economic evaluations that incorporate good practice health technology assessment (HTA) methods are needed to compare freeze-all with conventional embryo transfer strategies. Furthermore, future research should address the unique limitation of traditional HTA methods in valuing a life conceived through fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Venetis
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia; IVF Australia, Alexandria, 2015, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Elena Keller
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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GRADE Use in Evidence Syntheses Published in High-Impact-Factor Gynecology and Obstetrics Journals: A Methodological Survey. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020446. [PMID: 36675377 PMCID: PMC9866985 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020446] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify and describe the certainty of evidence of gynecology and obstetrics systematic reviews (SRs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Method: Database searches of SRs using GRADE, published between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, in the 10 "gynecology and obstetrics" journals with the highest impact factor, according to the Journal Citation Report 2019. Selected studies included those SRs using the GRADE approach, used to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Out of 952 SRs, ninety-six SRs of randomized control trials (RCTs) and/or nonrandomized studies (NRSs) used GRADE. Sixty-seven SRs (7.04%) rated the certainty of evidence for specific outcomes. In total, we identified 946 certainty of evidence outcome ratings (n = 614 RCT ratings), ranging from very-low (42.28%) to low (28.44%), moderate (17.65%), and high (11.63%). High and very low certainty of evidence ratings accounted for 2.16% and 71.60% in the SRs of NRSs, respectively, compared with 16.78% and 26.55% in the SRs of RCTs. In the SRs of RCTs and NRSs, certainty of evidence was mainly downgraded due to imprecision and bias risks. Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to strengthening GRADE acceptance and building knowledge of GRADE methods in gynecology and obstetrics evidence synthesis.
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Li X, Guo P, Blockeel C, Li X, Deng L, Yang J, Li C, Lin M, Wu H, Cai G, Hu Y, Chen X. Storage duration of vitrified embryos does not affect pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148411. [PMID: 36998477 PMCID: PMC10043480 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148411] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the refinement of cryopreservation technology, the number of frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) cycles and cryopreserved embryos has increased rapidly. However, studies investigating the effect of storage duration on pregnancy outcomes after vitrification are limited and their results are controversial. Furthermore, the available studies did not take patients' demographic nor clinical treatment characteristics into account and the cryo-storage duration was short. So this study aimed to explore the effect of storage duration of vitrified warmed embryos on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients with good prognosis and long storage duration of vitrified embryos. METHODS This study was a bi-centre, retrospective study including 1037 women undergoing their first FET cycles following a fresh cycle from January 2012 until December 2021. Patients were divided into four storage groups in accordance with the storage duration of transferred embryos (612 patients in group I, with storage duration between 1 and 6 months; 202 patients in group II, with storage duration between 7 and 12 months; 141 patients in group III, with storage duration between 13 and 36 months; and 76 patients in group IV, with storage duration between 37 and 84 months). The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared amongst different storage duration groups. RESULTS Amongst the different groups, no significant differences were observed in the pregnancy outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate. In addition, no evidence of differences amongst different storage duration groups was observed in terms of preterm birth, birth length and low birthweight. CONCLUSIONS The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of embryos after vitrification were not impaired by storage duration up to 7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Pingping Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhuhai Maternal and Childcare Service Center, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xinning Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Chujun Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Haocun Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Guifeng Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhuhai Maternal and Childcare Service Center, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Chen, ; Yunzhao Hu, ; Guifeng Cai,
| | - Yunzhao Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Chen, ; Yunzhao Hu, ; Guifeng Cai,
| | - Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Chen, ; Yunzhao Hu, ; Guifeng Cai,
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17
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Jia ZC, Li YQ, Li R, Hou S, Xia QC, Yang K, Wang PX, Li SM, Sun ZG, Guo Y. Comparison of two different starting dose of rhFSH in GnRH antagonist protocol for patients with normal ovarian reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1068141. [PMID: 36742378 PMCID: PMC9895085 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1068141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate different starting doses of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) on pregnancy outcomes for patients with normal ovarian reserve during gonadotropin- releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol-controlled ovarian stimulation of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS In this retrospective study, a total of 1138 patients undergoing IVF cycles following the GnRH-ant protocol were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to the starting dose of rhFSH. 617 patients received a starting dose of rhFSH of 150 IU, and 521 patients received a starting dose of rhFSH of 225 IU. We compared demographic characteristics, ovarian stimulation and embryological characteristics, and pregnancy and birth outcomes between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the possible effects of the known potential confounding factors on pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The number of oocytes retrieved in the 150 IU rhFSH group was significantly lower than those in the 225 IU rhFSH group. There was no significant difference between the two groups referring to embryological characteristics. The proportion of fresh embryo transfer in the 150 IU rhFSH group was significantly higher than that in the 225 IU rhFSH group (48.30% vs. 40.90%), and there was no difference in the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the starting dose of rhFSH of 150 IU for ovarian stimulation has a similar pregnancy outcome as starting dose of rhFSH of 225 IU in GnRH-ant protocol for patients with normal ovarian reserve. Considering the potential cost-effectiveness and shorter time to live birth, the starting dose of rhFSH of 150 IU may be more suitable than 225 IU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-cheng Jia
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yong-qian Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ran Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Sen Hou
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-chang Xia
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Pei-xuan Wang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shu-miao Li
- The Second Clinical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-gao Sun
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Guo,
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18
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Yang Y, Zhu D, Wang Q, Ma C, Li D, Wang J, Zhou P, Wei Z, Peng X, Cao Y, Xu X. Frozen embryo transfer in the menstrual cycle after moderate-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a retrospective analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:907. [PMID: 36474167 PMCID: PMC9724267 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious complication of controlled ovarian stimulation. Frozen-embryo transfer (ET) is prompted to be performed in the next menstrual cycles after cancellation of fresh-ET after occurrence of OHSS. However, effects of frozen-ET in the second menstrual cycle have never been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess this in the menstrual cycle after OHSS. METHODS The OHSS group included 342 women with moderate-severe OHSS who underwent the first frozen-ET in the second menstrual cycle in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2018 to September 2019. A total of 342 women without OHSS who received frozen-ET in the second menstrual cycle were selected as control group matched by age, body mass index, fertility history, ovulation induction scheme. Uni- and multi-variable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between moderate-severe OHSS and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS There were no significant differences in maternal outcomes (miscarriage, preterm birth and pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes and postpartum hemorrhage) and in neonatal outcome (birth-weight and body length, neonatal congenital diseases and other complications) between the two groups in either uni- or multi-variable models. CONCLUSIONS Frozen-ET in the menstrual cycle after OHSS has similar maternal and neonatal outcomes as in women without OHSS. This study indicates that frozen-ET could be performed in the second menstrual cycle in women who recovered from moderate-severe OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Yang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Damin Zhu
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China
| | - Qiushuang Wang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Cong Ma
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Danyang Li
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Jing Wang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Ping Zhou
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
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19
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Hu KL, Yang R, Xu H, Mol BW, Li R, Wang R. Anti-Müllerian hormone in guiding the selection of a freeze-all versus a fresh embryo transfer strategy: a cohort study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2325-2333. [PMID: 35870096 PMCID: PMC9596674 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02564-3] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore an interaction effect between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the relative treatment effect of a freeze-all versus a fresh embryo transfer strategy on live birth. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study investigating couples with infertility and eligible for both freeze-all and fresh embryo transfer between 2017 and 2019. Women with an absolute indication for a freeze-all strategy were excluded. Multivariable fractional polynomial interaction analysis within a logistic regression model was used to evaluate whether the treatment effect of a freeze-all versus a fresh transfer strategy varied at different AMH levels. Non-linear interactions were also considered. The primary outcome was the live birth after the first transfer. RESULTS A total of 13,503 women underwent a fresh embryo transfer and 2247 women underwent a freeze-all strategy. Live birth rates were slightly higher in the freeze-all group compared to those in the fresh embryo transfer group (35% vs 33%). There was a non-linear interaction between baseline serum AMH levels and the relative treatment effect of a freeze-all strategy versus a fresh transfer strategy on live birth (P = 0.0161). The benefit on live birth from a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy was greatest in women with a high serum level (> 7 ng/ml). The interaction remained valid when different imputation methods were used. CONCLUSION As serum AMH level increased, there was a nonlinear increase in relative treatment effect of a freeze-only transfer versus a fresh transfer strategy on live birth, and such an effect reaches its maximum in women with high AMH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Huiyu Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
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20
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Hu KL, Hunt S, Zhang D, Li R, Mol BW. The association between embryo storage time and treatment success in women undergoing freeze-all embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:513-521. [PMID: 35934542 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the embryo frozen time and live birth rate (LBR) in women having a freeze-all cycle. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENT(S) Women who underwent their first vitrified-warmed cycles from January 2013 to December 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Embryo storage time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the LBR. RESULT(S) A total of 14,928 women were eligible for the analysis. Women with the frozen time of transferred embryos for 2-5 months were associated with a higher LBR compared with other groups. The results were confirmed by an inverted U curve in the restricted cubic splines before as well as after adjustment for covariables, which suggested that an embryo storage time of 3-4 months was associated with the highest LBR. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the inverted U curve relationship between embryo storage time and LBR was only observed in women with the high response. Sensitivity analyses in women with at least one good-quality embryo for transfer, in women aged <36 years at embryo transfer, or in women with double cleavage embryo transfer showed that the association remained valid. The association was weakened in women with single blastocyst transfer probably because of the small sample size in these women. CONCLUSION(S) An inverted U-shaped relationship was found between embryo storage time and treatment success in women with high ovarian response in freeze-all embryo transfer cycles. Prolonged storage time of >6 months was associated with reduced pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the People's Republic of China
| | - Sarah Hunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, the People's Republic of China.
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Strategy for embryo transfer to improve pregnancy outcomes in advanced maternal age. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:781-789. [PMID: 35860989 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective study was to optimize the transplantation strategy for women of advanced maternal age to achieve live births within the shortest time. Data were collected from patients older than 40 years who underwent assisted reproductive therapy at our centre from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. In total, 1023 cases of fresh cleavage embryo transfer (CET) cycles, 280 cases of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles, and 26 cases of frozen-thawed CET (FCET) cycles were included. The main outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). The secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and neonatal outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding factors. The blastocyst formation rate of patients older than 40 years was 23.5%, the freezing cycle rate was 19.8%, and the fresh-embryo transfer rate was 83.0%. The implantation rate, CPR, and LBR were significantly different among the CET, FCET, and FBT groups. There were no significant differences in multiple pregnancies and abortion rates among the groups, and neonatal outcomes were similar. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the CET group, LBR did not increase in the FCET group, whereas LBR increased in the FBT group. For patients older than 40 years when having approximately eight embryos after fertilization, blastocyst transfer can be considered after fully discussing the advantages and disadvantages of blastocyst culture. Alternatively, CET can be performed first, followed by FBT if the cleavage embryo transfer is unsuccessful.
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Venetis CA. Pro: Fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. Is frozen embryo transfer the future? Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1379-1387. [PMID: 35640162 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation has been an integral part of ART for close to 40 years and vitrification has boosted overall ART efficacy and safety. Recently, there has been a vivid scientific discussion on whether elective cryopreservation of all embryos (freeze-all) should be pursued for most patients, with a fresh embryo transfer taking place only in selected cases. In terms of efficacy, the available evidence suggests that the freeze-all strategy leads to higher live birth rates after the first embryo transfer compared to the conventional strategy in high responders, while there is no difference in normal responders. There is no evidence to suggest that the freeze-all strategy is inferior to the conventional strategy of fresh transfer when comparing cumulative live birth rates using data from all available randomized controlled trials. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-all policy. However, regarding obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes, the evidence suggests that each strategy is associated with certain risks and, therefore, there is no approach that could be unequivocally accepted as safer. Similarly, limited evidence does not support the notion that patients would be universally against freeze-all owing to the inevitable delay in pregnancy achievement. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of freeze-all is likely to vary in different settings and there have been studies supporting that this policy can be, under certain conditions, cost-effective. Adoption of the freeze-all policy can also allow for more flexible treatment strategies that have the potential to increase efficacy, reduce cost and make treatment easier for patients and clinics. Importantly, freeze-all does not require the use of any experimental technologies, further training of personnel or the costly acquisition of new equipment. For these reasons, transitioning to the freeze-all policy for most patients appears to be the next logical step in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos A Venetis
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,IVFAustralia, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Marino A, Gullo S, Sammartano F, Volpes A, Allegra A. Algorithm-based individualization methodology of the starting gonadotropin dose in IVF/ICSI and the freeze-all strategy prevent OHSS equally in normal responders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of the evidence. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1583-1601. [PMID: 35551563 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02503-2] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) represents a rare but dangerous condition associated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in IVF/ICSI. Over the last decades, many strategies have been introduced into clinical practice with the objective of preventing this potentially life-threatening condition. Among these, the freeze-all policy has gained great popularity, thanks to improvements in vitrification. Nevertheless, not all clinics have adequate skills in vitrification procedures and patients may be dissatisfied with a longer time to pregnancy. METHODS This study is a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing different strategies of ovarian stimulation in IVF/ICSI cycles (freeze-all policy, algorithm-based individualization of the starting dose, experience-based individualization of the starting dose, standard dose) in terms of reduction of OHSS, in normal responders. RESULTS The results indicate that only the algorithm-based individualization of the starting gonadotropin dose reduces OHSS similarly to the freeze-all strategy. CONCLUSION Albeit in the era of the freeze-all policy, the personalization of the starting gonadotropin dose obtained by the use of algorithms should be pursued as a valid and safe option for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Marino
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Via Ausonia 43/45, 90144, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Gullo
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement-Statistics Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Sammartano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Via Ausonia 43/45, 90144, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Volpes
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Via Ausonia 43/45, 90144, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adolfo Allegra
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Via Ausonia 43/45, 90144, Palermo, Italy
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24
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Maheshwari A, Bari V, Bell JL, Bhattacharya S, Bhide P, Bowler U, Brison D, Child T, Chong HY, Cheong Y, Cole C, Coomarasamy A, Cutting R, Goodgame F, Hardy P, Hamoda H, Juszczak E, Khalaf Y, King A, Kurinczuk JJ, Lavery S, Lewis-Jones C, Linsell L, Macklon N, Mathur R, Murray D, Pundir J, Raine-Fenning N, Rajkohwa M, Robinson L, Scotland G, Stanbury K, Troup S. Transfer of thawed frozen embryo versus fresh embryo to improve the healthy baby rate in women undergoing IVF: the E-Freeze RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-142. [PMID: 35603917 PMCID: PMC9376799 DOI: 10.3310/aefu1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Freezing all embryos, followed by thawing and transferring them into the uterine cavity at a later stage (freeze-all), instead of fresh-embryo transfer may lead to improved pregnancy rates and fewer complications during in vitro fertilisation and pregnancies resulting from it. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate if a policy of freeze-all results in a higher healthy baby rate than the current policy of transferring fresh embryos. DESIGN This was a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm, parallel-group, non-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING Eighteen in vitro fertilisation clinics across the UK participated from February 2016 to April 2019. PARTICIPANTS Couples undergoing their first, second or third cycle of in vitro fertilisation treatment in which the female partner was aged < 42 years. INTERVENTIONS If at least three good-quality embryos were present on day 3 of embryo development, couples were randomly allocated to either freeze-all (intervention) or fresh-embryo transfer (control). OUTCOMES The primary outcome was a healthy baby, defined as a live, singleton baby born at term, with an appropriate weight for their gestation. Secondary outcomes included ovarian hyperstimulation, live birth and clinical pregnancy rates, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, health economic outcome, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores. RESULTS A total of 1578 couples were consented and 619 couples were randomised. Most non-randomisations were because of the non-availability of at least three good-quality embryos (n = 476). Of the couples randomised, 117 (19%) did not adhere to the allocated intervention. The rate of non-adherence was higher in the freeze-all arm, with the leading reason being patient choice. The intention-to-treat analysis showed a healthy baby rate of 20.3% in the freeze-all arm and 24.4% in the fresh-embryo transfer arm (risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.15). Similar results were obtained using complier-average causal effect analysis (risk ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 1.10), per-protocol analysis (risk ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.59 to 1.26) and as-treated analysis (risk ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 1.29). The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation was 3.6% in the freeze-all arm and 8.1% in the fresh-embryo transfer arm (risk ratio 0.44, 99% confidence interval 0.15 to 1.30). There were no statistically significant differences between the freeze-all and the fresh-embryo transfer arms in the live birth rates (28.3% vs. 34.3%; risk ratio 0.83, 99% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.06) and clinical pregnancy rates (33.9% vs. 40.1%; risk ratio 0.85, 99% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.11). There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety scores for male participants (mean difference 0.1, 99% confidence interval -2.4 to 2.6) and female participants (mean difference 0.0, 99% confidence interval -2.2 to 2.2) between the arms. The economic analysis showed that freeze-all had a low probability of being cost-effective in terms of the incremental cost per healthy baby and incremental cost per live birth. LIMITATIONS We were unable to reach the original planned sample size of 1086 and the rate of non-adherence to the allocated intervention was much higher than expected. CONCLUSION When efficacy, safety and costs are considered, freeze-all is not better than fresh-embryo transfer. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN61225414. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 25. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Maheshwari
- Aberdeen Fertility Centre, NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Vasha Bari
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer L Bell
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Priya Bhide
- Assisted Conception Unit, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ursula Bowler
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Brison
- Assisted Conception Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Tim Child
- Oxford Fertility, The Fertility Partnership, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Huey Yi Chong
- Aberdeen Fertility Centre, NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ying Cheong
- Complete Fertility Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christina Cole
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Cutting
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, London, UK
| | - Fiona Goodgame
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pollyanna Hardy
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Haitham Hamoda
- Assisted Conception Unit, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Edmund Juszczak
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Yacoub Khalaf
- Assisted Conception Unit and Centre for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew King
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer J Kurinczuk
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Lavery
- Assisted Conception Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Louise Linsell
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick Macklon
- London Women's Clinic, London, UK.,Gynaecology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raj Mathur
- Assisted Conception Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - David Murray
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jyotsna Pundir
- Assisted Conception Unit, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Lynne Robinson
- Gyanecology and Assisted Conception, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Scotland
- Aberdeen Fertility Centre, NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kayleigh Stanbury
- Clinical Trials Unit National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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25
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Comparison of two endometrial preparation methods for frozen-thawed embryo transfer in anovulatory PCOS patients: impact on miscarriage rate. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2022; 51:102399. [PMID: 35489711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102399] [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: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE - Some studies have suggested that patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high risk of miscarriage. However, this still remains controversial. Several potential factors might explain this association: obesity, hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism. Artificial and stimulated cycles appear to be comparable for endometrial preparation in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in PCOS patients. Only a few studies have assessed miscarriage rates specifically in PCOS. We have evaluated the impact of endometrial preparation on FET outcomes in anovulatory PCOS patients. METHODS - A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Lille University Hospital, including 255 FET cycles in 134 PCOS patients between January 2011 and December 2017. PCOS was defined by the presence of at least two of the three Rotterdam's criteria. Patients were under 35 years old. Two endometrial preparation protocol were studied: stimulated cycle (gonadotropins on the second day of the cycle and luteal phase support including natural progesterone 600 mg/day) and artificial cycle (6 mg oral estradiol valerate and 800 mg micronized vaginal progesterone daily). RESULTS - 137 FET were performed under stimulated cycle and 118 FET under artificial cycle. Early pregnancy rates (30% versus 37.3%, p = NS), miscarriage rates (22% versus 25%, p = NS) and live birth rates (23.4% versus 26.3%, p = NS) were similar. CONCLUSIONS - In anovulatory PCOS women, the type of endometrial preparation does not influence FET outcomes, specifically regarding the miscarriage rate.
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26
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Choi SKY, Venetis C, Ledger W, Havard A, Harris K, Norman RJ, Jorm LR, Chambers GM. Population-wide contribution of medically assisted reproductive technologies to overall births in Australia: temporal trends and parental characteristics. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1047-1058. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
In a country with supportive funding for medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technologies, what is the proportion of MAR births over-time?
SUMMARY ANSWER
In 2017, 6.7% of births were conceived by MAR (4.8% ART and 1.9% ovulation induction (OI)/IUI) with a 55% increase in ART births and a stable contribution from OI/IUI births over the past decade.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
There is considerable global variation in utilization rates of ART despite a similar infertility prevalence worldwide. While the overall contribution of ART to national births is known in many countries because of ART registries, very little is known about the contribution of OI/IUI treatment or the socio-demographic characteristics of the parents. Australia provides supportive public funding for all forms of MAR with no restrictions based on male or female age, and thus provides a unique setting to investigate the contribution of MAR to national births as well as the socio-demographic characteristics of parents across the different types of MAR births.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This is a novel population-based birth cohort study of 898 084 births using linked ART registry data and administrative data including birth registrations, medical services, pharmaceuticals, hospital admissions and deaths. Birth (a live or still birth of at least one baby of ≥400 g birthweight or ≥20 weeks’ gestation) was the unit of analysis in this study. Multiple births were considered as one birth in our analysis.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
This study included a total of 898 084 births (606 488 mothers) in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia 2009–2017. We calculated the prevalence of all categories of MAR-conceived births over the study period. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association between parental characteristics (parent’s age, parity, socio-economic status, maternal country of birth, remoteness of mother’s dwelling, pre-existing medical conditions, smoking, etc.) and ART and OI/IUI births relative to naturally conceived births.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The proportion of MAR births increased from 5.1% of all births in 2009 to 6.7% in 2017, representing a 30% increase over the decade. The proportion of OI/IUI births remained stable at around 2% of all births, representing 32% of all MAR births. Over the study period, ART births conceived by frozen embryo-transfer increased nearly 3-fold. OI/IUI births conceived using clomiphene citrate decreased by 39%, while OI/IUI births conceived using letrozole increased 56-fold. Overall, there was a 55% increase over the study period in the number of ART-conceived births, rising to 56% of births to mothers aged 40 years and older. In 2017, almost one in six births (17.6%) to mothers aged 40 years and over were conceived using ART treatment. Conversely, the proportion of OI/IUI births was similar across different mother’s age groups and remained stable over the study period. ART children, but not OI/IUI children, were more likely to have parents who were socio-economically advantaged compared to naturally conceived children. For example, compared to naturally conceived births, ART births were 16% less likely to be born to mothers who live in the disadvantaged neighbourhoods after accounting for other covariates (adjusted relative risk (aRR): 0.84 [95% CI: 0.81–0.88]). ART- or OI/IUI-conceived children were 25% less likely to be born to immigrant mothers than births after natural conception (aRR: 0.75 [0.74–0.77]).
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The social inequalities that we observed between the parents of children born using ART and naturally conceived children may not directly reflect disparities in accessing fertility care for individuals seeking treatment.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
With the ubiquitous decline in fertility rates around the world and the increasing trend to delay childbearing, this population-based study enhances our understanding of the contribution of different types of MARs to population profiles among births in high-income countries. The parental socio-demographic characteristics of MAR-conceived children differ significantly from naturally conceived children and this highlights the importance of accounting for such differences in studies investigating the health and development of MAR-conceived children.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was funded through Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant: APP1127437. G.M.C. is an employee of The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), UNSW. The NPESU manages the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database with funding support from the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand. C.V. is an employee of The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Director of Clinical Research of IVFAustralia, Member of the Board of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, and Member of Research Committee of School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW. C.V. reports grants from Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Merck KGaA. C.V. reports consulting fees, and payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers, bureaus, manuscript, writing or educational events or attending meeting or travel from Merck, Merck Sparpe & Dohme, Ferring, Gedon-Richter and Besins outside this submitted work. C.V. reported stock or stock options from Virtus Health Limited outside this submitted work. R.J.N. is an employee of The University of Adelaide, and Chair DSMC for natural therapies trial of The University of Hong Kong. R.J.N. reports grants from NHMRC. R.J.N. reports lecture fees and support for attending or travelling for lecture from Merck Serono which is outside this submitted work. L.R.J. is an employee of The UNSW and Foundation Director of the Centre for Big Data Research in Health at UNSW Sydney. L.R.J. reports grants from NHMRC. The other co-authors have no conflict of interest.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Y Choi
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christos Venetis
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Ledger
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alys Havard
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie Harris
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louisa R Jorm
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Abe M, Yamamoto Y, Noguchi H, Tamura K, Aoki H, Takeda A, Minato S, Kamada S, Tachibana A, Iwasa T. Is a freeze-all strategy necessary for all embryo transfers : Fresh embryo transfer without progesterone elevation results in an equivalent pregnancy rate to cryopreserved embryo transfer. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2022; 69:224-229. [PMID: 36244773 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.69.224] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives : It has been suggested that the clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET) are superior to those of fresh embryo transfer. We examined whether a freeze-all strategy is necessary for all embryo transfers, and, if not, to evaluate the conditions in which the pregnancy rates of fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed ET did not differ. Methods : Patients who underwent blastocyst transfer at Tokushima University Hospital between 2008 and 2019 were enrolled. The clinical outcomes and clinical characteristics of 1,022 patients that underwent fresh embryo transfer and 1,728 patients that underwent frozen-thawed ET were examined retrospectively. We considered the factors that influenced the pregnancy outcomes of fresh embryo transfer. Results : The frozen-thawed ET group exhibited significantly higher pregnancy, live-birth, and miscarriage rates than the fresh embryo transfer group. In the fresh embryo transfer group, a high progesterone level on the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and lower grade embryos were risk factors for a low pregnancy rate. However, in the cases in which the progesterone level was < 1.0 ng / mL the pregnancy rate was equal to that of frozen-thawed ET. Conclusions : A freeze-all strategy is not necessary for embryo transfers, but should be employed in cases involving pre-ovulatory progesterone elevation. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 224-229, August, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Abe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tachibana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1388-1393. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Recurrent Implantation Failure-Is It the Egg or the Chicken? LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:life12010039. [PMID: 35054432 PMCID: PMC8777926 DOI: 10.3390/life12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an undefined, quite often, clinical phenomenon that can result from the repeated failure of embryo transfers to obtain a viable pregnancy. Careful clinical evaluation prior to assisted reproduction can uncover various treatable causes, including endocrine dysfunction, fibroid(s), polyp(s), adhesions, uterine malformations. Despite the fact that it is often encountered and has a critical role in Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) and human reproduction, RIF’s do not yet have an agreed-on definition, and its etiologic factors have not been entirely determined. ART is a complex treatment with a variable percentage of success among patients and care providers. ART depends on several factors that are not always known and probably not always the same. When confronted with repeated ART failure, medical care providers should try to determine whether the cause is an embryo or endometrium related. One of the most common causes of pregnancy failure is aneuploidy. Therefore, it is likely that this represents a common cause of RIF. Other RIF potential causes include immune and endometrial factors; however, with a very poorly defined role. Recent data indicate that the possible endometrial causes of RIF are very rare, thereby throwing into doubt all endometrial receptivity assays. All recent reports indicate that the true origin of RIF is probably due to the “egg”.
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The effects of hysteroscopic morcellation of endometrial polyps on frozen embryo transfer outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 267:241-244. [PMID: 34837853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To determine if hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps, specifically via morcellation of polyps, affects implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), spontaneous abortion (SAB) rate, and live birth rate (LBR) in first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review, with data abstracted from the charts of all first autologous oocyte frozen embryo transfer (FET) cases (n = 135) at a single fertility center from January 2018 through June 2020. Subjects were grouped into (A) hysteroscopic polypectomy prior to first FET (n = 25) or (B) no hysteroscopic polypectomy prior to first FET (n = 110). The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes were implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and spontaneous abortion (SAB) rate. RESULTS We found no difference between the groups in terms of the primary outcome (LBR) or the secondary outcomes IR, CPR, and SAB rate. CONCLUSION(S) The data analyzed here suggest that hysteroscopic morcellation of endometrial polyps has no adverse effect on IR, SAB rate, CPR, or LBR among first FET cases after this type of polypectomy.
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Huang TC, Huang MZ, Seow KM, Yang IJ, Pan SP, Chen MJ, Hwang JL, Chen SU. Progestin primed ovarian stimulation using corifollitropin alfa in PCOS women effectively prevents LH surge and reduces injection burden compared to GnRH antagonist protocol. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22732. [PMID: 34815477 PMCID: PMC8611037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilizing corifollitropin alfa in GnRH antagonist (GnRHant) protocol in conjunction with GnRH agonist trigger/freeze-all strategy (corifollitropin alfa/GnRHant protocol) was reported to have satisfactory outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although lessening in gonadotropin injections, GnRHant were still needed. In addition to using corifollitropin alfa, GnRHant was replaced with an oral progestin as in progestin primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) to further reduce the injection burden in this study. We try to investigate whether this regimen (corifollitropin alfa/PPOS protocol) could effectively reduce GnRHant injections and prevent premature LH surge in PCOS patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. This is a retrospective cohort study recruiting 333 women with PCOS, with body weight between 50 and 70 kg, undergoing first IVF/ICSI cycle between August 2015 and July 2018. We used corifollitropin alfa/GnRHant protocol prior to Jan 2017 (n = 160), then changed to corifollitropin alfa/PPOS protocol (n = 173). All patients received corifollitropin alfa 100 μg on menstruation day 2/3 (S1). Additional rFSH was administered daily from S8. In corifollitropin alfa/GnRHant group, cetrorelix 0.25 mg/day was administered from S5 till the trigger day. In corifollitropin alfa/PPOS group, dydrogesterone 20 mg/day was given from S1 till the trigger day. GnRH agonist was used to trigger maturation of oocyte. All good quality day 5/6 embryos were frozen, and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) was performed on subsequent cycle. A comparison of clinical outcomes was made between the two protocols. The primary endpoint was the incidence of premature LH surge and none of the patients occurred. Dydrogesterone successfully replace GnRHant to block LH surge while an average of 6.8 days of GnRHant injections were needed in the corifollitropin alfa/GnRHant group. No patients suffered from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The other clinical outcomes including additional duration/dose of daily gonadotropin administration, number of oocytes retrieved, and fertilization rate were similar between the two groups. The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in the first FET cycle were also similar between the two groups. In women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, corifollitropin alfa/PPOS protocol could minimize the injections burden with comparable outcomes to corifollitropin alfa/GnRHant protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Chi Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Zen Huang
- Department of Nursing, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kok-Min Seow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ih-Jane Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Song-Po Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jou Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Loung Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei IVF, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shee-Uan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Bülow NS, Skouby SO, Warzecha AK, Udengaard H, Andersen CY, Holt MD, Grøndahl ML, Nyboe Andersen A, Sopa N, Mikkelsen ALE, Pinborg A, Macklon NS. Impact of letrozole co-treatment during ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins for IVF: a multicentre, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:309-321. [PMID: 34792133 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does letrozole co-treatment during ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins for IVF reduce the proportion of women with premature progesterone levels above 1.5 ng/ml at the time of triggering final oocyte maturation? SUMMARY ANSWER The proportion of women with premature progesterone above 1.5 ng/ml was not significantly affected by letrozole co-treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVF creates multiple follicles with supraphysiological levels of sex steroids interrupting the endocrine milieu and affects the window of implantation. Letrozole is an effective aromatase inhibitor, normalizing serum oestradiol, thereby ameliorating some of the detrimental effects of IVF treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial investigated letrozole intervention during stimulation for IVF with FSH. The trial was conducted at four fertility clinics at University Hospitals in Denmark from August 2016 to November 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A cohort of 129 women with expected normal ovarian reserve (anti-Müllerian hormone 8-32 nmol/l) completed an IVF cycle with fresh embryo transfer and received co-treatment with either 5 mg/day letrozole (n = 67) or placebo (n = 62), along with the FSH. Progesterone, oestradiol, FSH, LH and androgens were analysed in repeated serum samples collected from the start of the stimulation to the mid-luteal phase. In addition, the effect of letrozole on reproductive outcomes, total FSH consumption and adverse events were assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The proportion of women with premature progesterone >1.5 ng/ml was similar (6% vs 0% (OR 0.0, 95% CI [0.0; 1.6], P = 0.12) in the letrozole versus placebo groups, respectively), whereas the proportion of women with mid-luteal progesterone >30 ng/ml was significantly increased in the letrozole group: (59% vs 31% (OR 3.3, 95% CI [1.4; 7.1], P = 0.005)). Letrozole versus placebo decreased oestradiol levels on the ovulation trigger day by 68% (95% CI [60%; 75%], P < 0.0001). Other hormonal profiles, measured as AUC, showed the following results. The increase in LH in the letrozole group versus placebo group was 38% (95% CI [21%; 58%], P < 0.0001) and 34% (95% CI [11%; 61%], P = 0.006) in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively. In the letrozole group versus placebo group, testosterone increased by 79% (95% CI [55%; 105%], P < 0.0001) and 49% (95% CI [30%; 72%], P < 0.0001) in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively. In the letrozole group versus placebo group, the increase in androstenedione was by 85% (95% CI [59%; 114%], P < 0.0001) and 69% (95% CI [48%; 94%], P < 0.0001) in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively. The ongoing pregnancy rate was similar between the letrozole and placebo groups (31% vs 39% (risk-difference of 8%, 95% CI [-25%; 11%], P = 0.55)). No serious adverse reactions were recorded in either group. The total duration of exogenous FSH stimulation was 1 day shorter in the intervention group, significantly reducing total FSH consumption (mean difference -100 IU, 95% CI [-192; -21], P = 0.03). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Late follicular progesterone samples were collected on the day before and day of ovulation triggering for patient logistic considerations, and the recently emerged knowledge about diurnal variation of progesterone was not taken into account. The study was powered to detect hormonal variations but not differences in pregnancy outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although the use of letrozole has no effect on the primary outcome, the number of women with a premature increase in progesterone on the day of ovulation triggering, the increased progesterone in the mid-luteal phase due to letrozole may contribute to optimizing the luteal phase endocrinology. The effect of letrozole on increasing androgens and reducing FSH consumption may be used in poor responders. However, the effect of letrozole on implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates should be evaluated in a meta-analysis or larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from EU Interreg for ReproUnion and Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Roche Diagnostics contributed with assays. N.S.M. and A.P. have received grants from Ferring, Merck Serono, Anecova and Gedeon Richter, and/or personal fees from IBSA, Vivoplex, ArtPred and SPD, outside the submitted work. The remaining authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02939898 and NCT02946684. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 15 August 2016. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 22 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Søderhamn Bülow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinological and Reproductive Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sven Olaf Skouby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinological and Reproductive Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Katarzyna Warzecha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinological and Reproductive Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Udengaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinological and Reproductive Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianne Dreyer Holt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise Grøndahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinological and Reproductive Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Negjyp Sopa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anne Lis Englund Mikkelsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nicholas Stephen Macklon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark.,London Women's Clinic, London, UK
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Johnson S, Vandromme J, Larbuisson A, Raick D, Delvigne A. Does the freeze-all strategy improve the cumulative live birth rate and the time to become pregnant in IVF cycles? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:1203-1213. [PMID: 34762187 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06306-1] [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: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The freeze-all strategy is widely used for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) prevention. Indeed, it increases live birth rates among high responders and prevents preterm birth and small for gestational age. Why should not we extend it to all? METHODS A retrospective and monocentric study was conducted between January 2008 and January 2018 comparing the cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) between patients having undergone FAS and a control group using fresh embryo transfer (FET) and having at least one frozen embryo available. Analyses were made for the entire cohort (population 1) and for different subgroups according to confounding factors selected by a logistic regression (population 3), and to the BELRAP (Belgian Register for Assisted Procreation) criteria (population 2). RESULTS 2216 patients were divided into two groups: Freeze all (FA), 233 patients and control (C), 1983 patients. The CLBR was 50.2% vs 58.1% P = 0.021 for population 1 and 53.2% vs 63.3% P = 0.023 for population 2, including 124 cases and 1241 controls. The CLBR stayed in favour of the C group: 70.1% vs 55.9% P = 0.03 even when confounding variables were excluded (FA and C group, respectively, 109 and 770 patients). The median time to become pregnant was equally in favour of the C group with a median of 5 days against 61 days. CONCLUSION CLBR is significantly lower in the FA group compared to the C group with a longer time to become pregnant. Nevertheless, the CLBR in the FA group remains superior to that observed in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Johnson
- ART Center, CHC Montlégia, Liège, Belgium.
| | - J Vandromme
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - D Raick
- ART Center, CHC Montlégia, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Delvigne
- ART Center, CHC Montlégia, Liège, Belgium
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Kalinderis M, Kalinderi K, Srivastava G, Homburg R. When Should We Freeze Embryos? Current Data for Fresh and Frozen Embryo Replacement IVF Cycles. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3061-3072. [PMID: 34033111 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00628-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen-thawed embryo replacement (FER) cycles. Along with the advances in embryo cryopreservation techniques, the optimization of endometrial receptivity has resulted in outcomes for FER that are similar to fresh embryo transfer. However, the question of whether the Freeze all strategy is for all is nowadays a hot topic. This review addresses this issue and describes current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies. To date, it is reasonable to perform FER in cases with a clear indication for the benefits of such strategy including impending ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A); however, this strategy does not fit for all. This review analyses the pros and cons of the freeze all strategy highlighting the need to follow a personalized plan in embryo transfer, avoiding a freeze all methodology for all patients in an unselected manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kallirhoe Kalinderi
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Roy Homburg
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK.,Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Fresh embryo transfer versus freeze-only after in vitro maturation with a pre-maturation step in women with high antral follicle count: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1293-1302. [PMID: 33825118 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women at high risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This study determined the effectiveness and safety of a freeze-only strategy versus fresh embryo transfer (ET) after IVM with a pre-maturation step (CAPA-IVM) in women with a high antral follicle count (AFC). METHODS This randomized, controlled pilot study (NCT04297553) was conducted between March and November 2020. Forty women aged 18-37 years with a high AFC (≥24 follicles in both ovaries) undergoing one cycle of CAPA-IVM were randomized to a freeze-only strategy with subsequent frozen ET (n = 20) or to fresh ET (n = 20). The primary endpoint was ongoing pregnancy resulting in live birth after the first ET of the started treatment cycle. RESULTS The ongoing pregnancy rate in the freeze-only group (65%) was significantly higher than that in the fresh ET group (25%; p = 0.03), as was the live birth rate (60% versus 20%; p = 0.02). Clinical pregnancy rate was numerically, but not significantly, higher after frozen versus fresh ET (70% versus 35%; p = 0.06), while the number of day 3 or good quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the day of oocyte pick-up, implantation rate, and positive pregnancy test rate did not differ significantly between groups. No cases of OHSS were observed, and miscarriage and multiple pregnancy rates were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the effectiveness of CAPA-IVM could be improved considerably by using a freeze-only strategy followed by frozen ET in subsequent cycles. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04297553 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).
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Zaat T, Zagers M, Mol F, Goddijn M, van Wely M, Mastenbroek S. Fresh versus frozen embryo transfers in assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 2:CD011184. [PMID: 33539543 PMCID: PMC8095009 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011184.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments conventionally consist of a fresh embryo transfer, possibly followed by one or more cryopreserved embryo transfers in subsequent cycles. An alternative option is to freeze all suitable embryos and transfer cryopreserved embryos in subsequent cycles only, which is known as the 'freeze all' strategy. This is the first update of the Cochrane Review on this comparison. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the freeze all strategy compared to the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and two registers of ongoing trials from inception until 23 September 2020 for relevant studies, checked references of publications found, and contacted study authors to obtain additional data. SELECTION CRITERIA Two review authors (TZ and MZ) independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, and extracted study data. We included randomised controlled trials comparing a 'freeze all' strategy with a conventional IVF/ICSI strategy including a fresh embryo transfer in women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcomes were cumulative live birth rate and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Secondary outcomes included effectiveness outcomes (including ongoing pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate), time to pregnancy and obstetric, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 studies in the systematic review and eight studies with a total of 4712 women in the meta-analysis. The overall evidence was of moderate to low quality. We graded all the outcomes and downgraded due to serious risk of bias, serious imprecision and serious unexplained heterogeneity. Risk of bias was associated with unclear blinding of investigators for preliminary outcomes of the study during the interim analysis, unit of analysis error, and absence of adequate study termination rules. There was an absence of high-quality evidence according to GRADE assessments for our primary outcomes, which is reflected in the cautious language below. There is probably little or no difference in cumulative live birth rate between the 'freeze all' strategy and the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.22; I2 = 0%; 8 RCTs, 4712 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that for a cumulative live birth rate of 58% following the conventional strategy, the cumulative live birth rate following the 'freeze all' strategy would be between 57% and 63%. Women might develop less OHSS after the 'freeze all' strategy compared to the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.39; I2 = 0%; 6 RCTs, 4478 women; low-quality evidence). These data suggest that for an OHSS rate of 3% following the conventional strategy, the rate following the 'freeze all' strategy would be 1%. There is probably little or no difference between the two strategies in the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.19; I2 = 31%; 4 RCTs, 1245 women; moderate-quality evidence). We could not analyse time to pregnancy; by design, time to pregnancy is shorter in the conventional strategy than in the 'freeze all' strategy when the cumulative live birth rate is comparable, as embryo transfer is delayed in a 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain whether the two strategies differ in cumulative miscarriage rate because the evidence is very low quality (Peto OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.55; I2 = 55%; 2 RCTs, 986 women; very low-quality evidence) and cumulative multiple-pregnancy rate (Peto OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.25; I2 = 63%; 2 RCTs, 986 women; very low-quality evidence). The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (Peto OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.25; I2 = 29%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence), having a large-for-gestational-age baby (Peto OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.55; I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence) and a higher birth weight of the children born (mean difference (MD) 127 g, 95% CI 77.1 to 177.8; I2 = 0%; 5 RCTs, 1607 singletons; moderate-quality evidence) may be increased following the 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain whether the two strategies differ in the risk of having a small-for-gestational-age baby because the evidence is low quality (Peto OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.05; I2 = 64%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found moderate-quality evidence showing that one strategy is probably not superior to the other in terms of cumulative live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy rate. The risk of OHSS may be decreased in the 'freeze all' strategy. Based on the results of the included studies, we could not analyse time to pregnancy. It is likely to be shorter using a conventional IVF/ICSI strategy with fresh embryo transfer in the case of similar cumulative live birth rate, as embryo transfer is delayed in a 'freeze all' strategy. The risk of maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, of having a large-for-gestational-age baby and a higher birth weight of the children born may be increased following the 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain if 'freeze all' strategy reduces the risk of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy rate or having a small-for-gestational-age baby compared to conventional IVF/ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske Zaat
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Zagers
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Femke Mol
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Goddijn
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Cost-effectiveness of freeze-all policy - A retrospective study based upon the outcome of cumulative live births. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 60:125-131. [PMID: 33494984 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECT We have previously reported that cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) are higher in the freeze-all group compared with controls (64.3% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.001). Here, we aim to determine if the freeze-all policy is more cost-effective than fresh embryo transfer followed by frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis consisted of 704 ART (Assisted reproductive technology) cycles, which included in IVF (In vitro fertilisation) and ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) cycles performed in Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan between January 2012 and June 2014. The freeze-all group involved 84 patients and the fresh Group 625 patients. Patients were followed up until all embryos obtained from a single controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation cycle were used up, or a live birth had been achieved. The total cost related to treatment of each patient was recorded. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was based on the incremental cost per couple and the incremental live birth rate of the freeze-all strategy compared with the fresh ET strategy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) were performed. RESULTS The total treatment cost per patient was significantly higher for the freeze-all group than in the fresh group (USD 3419.93 ± 638.13 vs. $2920.59 ± 711.08 p < 0.001). However, the total treatment cost per live birth in the freeze-all group was US $5319.89, vs. US $6382.42 in the fresh group. CEAC show that the freeze-all policy was a cost-effective treatment at a threshold of US $2703.57 for one additional live birth. Considering the Willingness-to-pay threshold per live birth, the probability was 60.1% at the threshold of US $2896.5, with the freeze-all group being more cost-effective than the fresh-ET group; or 90.1% at the threshold of $4183.8. CONCLUSION The freeze-all policy is a cost-effective treatment, as long as the additional cost of US $2703.57 per additional live birth is financially acceptable for the subjects.
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Zhang N, Law YJ, Venetis CA, Chambers GM, Harris K. Female age is associated with the optimal number of oocytes to maximize fresh live birth rates: an analysis of 256,643 fresh ART cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:669-678. [PMID: 33509664 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the optimal number of oocytes retrieved at which maximum live birth rate is observed after fresh autologous assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles for women of different ages? DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of all fresh autologous ART aspiration cycles (n = 256,643) undertaken in Australia and New Zealand between 2009 and 2015. Primary outcome measure was live birth rate (LBR) (delivery of at least one liveborn baby at 20 weeks' gestation or over per fresh aspiration cycle). Cycles were grouped according to female age (<30, 30-34, 35-49, 40-44 and ≥45 years) and ovarian response (one to three, four to nine, 10-14, 15-19, 20-25 and ≥25 oocytes). Secondary outcome was incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) requiring hospitalization. RESULTS At different oocyte yields, LBR per fresh aspiration cycle peaked and then declined at, depending on female age: <30 years: six to 11 oocytes (LBR 31-34%); 30-34 years: 11-16 oocytes (LBR 29-30%); 35-39 years: nine to 17 oocytes (LBR 21-24%); and 40-44 years: 15-17 oocytes (LBR 11-12%). The incidence of OHSS increased significantly with the number of oocytes retrieved, from 1.2% with 15 oocytes retrieved to 9.3% with 30 or more oocytes retrieved (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The optimal number of oocytes at which maximum LBR was observed in a fresh aspiration cycle was highly dependent on age. Because of the observational nature of the results, a cause-effect relationship between the number of oocytes retrieved and LBR should not be assumed; evidence from well-designed randomized control trials is required before clinical advice can be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health and Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Level 1, AGSM Building (G27), UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW 2052
| | - Yin Jun Law
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health and Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Level 1, AGSM Building (G27), UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW 2052
| | - Christos A Venetis
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health and Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Level 1, AGSM Building (G27), UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW 2052; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW, Australia; IVF Australia, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health and Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Level 1, AGSM Building (G27), UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW 2052
| | - Katie Harris
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health and Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Level 1, AGSM Building (G27), UNSW Medicine, Sydney NSW 2052; The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia.
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A novel GnRH-antagonist protocol by switching to medroxyprogesterone when patients being at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during ovarian stimulation. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1642-1649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Preaubert L, Shaulov T, Phillips S, Pradervand PA, Kadoch IJ, Lapensee L. In freeze-all embryo cycles due to endometrial fluid (EF), live birth rates are comparable to those of controls, despite high rates of EF recurrence and cycle cancellation. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 50:101960. [PMID: 33099027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) differ between women who have had a freeze-all embryo cycle (FAE) for endometrial fluid (EF) and controls? DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included 83 women who had a FAE cycle due to the presence of EF between 2010 and 2016 at a university-affiliated private IVF center. The controls were 219 women who had FAE for other indications during the same period and were randomly selected. The main outcome measures were CLBRs, EF recurrence, cancellation and pregnancy loss rates. RESULTS Population characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The CLBR was not significantly different between the EF and the control group: 39.8 % vs. 47.0 %, respectively, p=0.26. Cancellation rates in the two first FETs were higher in the EF group than the control group: 18.1 % vs. 4.1 % (p<0.001) and 22.9 % vs. 8.5 % (p=0.02). After FAE for EF, we observed a significant risk of EF recurrence (32/177 cycles, 18.1 %), allowing us to identify a poor prognosis subgroup. When EF was detected, the LBR per transfer was 7.1 % (1/14) when the transfer was finally performed (after EF aspiration or EF disappearance), compared to 25 % (32/128) in cycles without EF recurrence (p<0.05). Conversely, in the absence of EF recurrence (145/177, 81.9 %), the LBR was comparable to that of the control group. The type of endometrial preparation does not seem to be associated with EF recurrence. CONCLUSION Despite higher rates of EF recurrence and cycle cancellation, women with FAE for EF ultimately have comparable LBRs to those who have had a FAE for other indications. However, women presenting with at least one EF recurrence during FETs seem to have a lower LBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Preaubert
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada.
| | - Talya Shaulov
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Simon Phillips
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Pierre-Antoine Pradervand
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Isaac Jacques Kadoch
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Louise Lapensee
- OVO Clinic, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada
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Tu YA, Yang PK, Chen SU, Yang JH. Optimal time interval between hysteroscopic polypectomy and frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240882. [PMID: 33079974 PMCID: PMC7575078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The optimal timing of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer following hysteroscopic polypectomy is an important and unanswered clinical question. In this study, we conducted a retrospective survey of cases from an infertility center at an academic hospital. We reviewed the charts of all patients who received in-vitro fertilization and frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers (FBT) at the center from January 2009 to November 2019. One hundred and two patients with prior diagnosis of endometrial polyp that were treated with hysteroscopic polypectomy before received their first FBT at the center were identified as cases. Patients without prior diagnosis of endometrial polyp, and who received their first FBT at the center were defined as controls. Controls were enrolled at a 1-to-1 ratio to the cases. The cases and controls did not show differences in baseline characteristics, endometrial thickness, or the number of good blastocysts transferred. The clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates were similar. Regarding the optimal interval between polypectomy and FBT, a cut-off of 120 days was identified from the ROC curve. A stratified analysis showed that when FBT was performed within an interval of 120 days after polypectomy, there were higher biochemical pregnancy rates (73.2%, 45.2%; OR 3.3; P = .007) and clinical pregnancy rates (64.8%, 41.9%; OR 2.54; P = .032), when compared with intervals greater than 120 days. There were no significant differences in implantation and live birth rates. In conclusion, pregnancy rates following FBT in patients who had received prior endometrial polypectomy were comparable to pregnancy rates after FBT in patients without endometrial polyp. Subgroup analysis showed that an interval greater than 120 days between hysteroscopic polypectomy and FBT was associated with decreased pregnancy rates. Patients who wish to receive embryo transfer after polypectomy should wait no longer than 120 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-An Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Kai Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shee-Uan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jehn-Hsiahn Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Lattes K, López S, Checa MA, Brassesco M, García D, Vassena R. A freeze-all strategy does not increase live birth rates in women of advanced reproductive age. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2443-2451. [PMID: 32876800 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does a freeze-all strategy improve live birth rates in women of different age groups? DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of 1882 first embryo transfer cycles, performed between January 2013 and December 2015. Reproductive outcomes between fresh (FRESH) or frozen (FROZEN) embryo transfers were compared in patients stratified by age: < 35, between 35 and 38, or > 38 years. Student's t test for independent samples and χ2 analyses were used as needed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, triggering drug, number of retrieved oocytes, number of transferred embryos, and percentage of top-quality embryos. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Live birth rates (LBR) were significantly higher for FROZEN in the < 35 years group (43.7% vs 24%; p < 0.001). In both the 35-38 and > 38 years groups, LBR for FROZEN vs FRESH were not statistically different (30.9% in the FROZEN group vs 29.3% in the FRESH group, p = 0.70, and 19.8% in the FROZEN group vs 12.7% in the FRESH group, p = 0.07, respectively). The multivariate analysis found a significantly positive effect of performing FROZEN on LBR in the younger group (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.31-4.62; p = 0.005) but had no impact in women between 35 and 38 years (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.55-1.83; p = 0.98) or older (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.43-2.13; p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS Performing a freeze-all strategy seems to result in better reproductive outcomes when compared with a fresh ET in women under 35 years, with no significant impact on older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lattes
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), 08017, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S López
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), 08017, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M A Checa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc de Salut Mar, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Infertility Research Group (GRI-BCN), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Brassesco
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), 08017, Barcelona, Spain
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Drakopoulos P, Santos-Ribeiro S, Mackens S, Racca AL, Blockeel C, Tournaye H, Makrigiannakis A. To delay or not frozen embryo transfer in freeze-all cycles? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:812. [PMID: 32793657 PMCID: PMC7396245 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Shari Mackens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Lisa Racca
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zagreb-School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Abstract
Development of assisted reproductive technologies has been driven by the goals of reducing the incidence of infertility, increasing the number of offspring from genetically elite animals, facilitating genetic manipulation, aiding preservation and long-distance movement of germplasm, and generating research material. Superovulation is associated with reduced fertilization rate and alterations in endometrial function. In vitro production of embryos can have a variety of consequences. Most embryos produced in vitro are capable of establishing pregnancy and developing into healthy neonatal animals. However, in vitro production is associated with reduced ability to develop to the blastocyst stage, increased incidence of failure to establish pregnancy, placental dysfunction, and altered fetal development. Changes in the developmental program mean that some consequences of being produced in vitro can extend into adult life. Reduced competence of the embryo produced in vitro to develop to the blastocyst stage is caused largely by disruption of events during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Conditions during embryo culture can affect embryo freezability and competence to establish pregnancy after transfer. Culture conditions, including actions of embryokines, can also affect the postnatal phenotype of the resultant progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0910, USA;
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45
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Boynukalin FK, Turgut NE, Gultomruk M, Ecemis S, Yarkiner Z, Findikli N, Bahceci M. Impact of elective frozen vs. fresh embryo transfer strategies on cumulative live birth: Do deleterious effects still exist in normal & hyper responders? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234481. [PMID: 32589634 PMCID: PMC7319321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Is freeze-all strategy effective in terms of cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) in all patients? Methods This retrospective single-center study analyzed the CLBRs of 2523 patients undergoing fresh or electively frozen blastocyst transfer cycles. In 1047, cycles, the fresh embryo transfer (ET) strategy was applied for the 1st ET, whereas electively frozen ET (e-FET) was performed in 1476 cycles. Female age ≤ 37 and blastocysts frozen via vitrification were included. The patients in each arm were further stratified into four subgroups according to the number of oocytes retrieved as follows: Group A: 1–5, group B: 6–10, group C: 11–15 and group D: 16–25 oocytes retrieved. The primary endpoint was the CLBR. The secondary endpoints were the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate and the live birth rates (LBRs) following fresh ETs and e-FETs for the first transfers. Result(s) The CLBR was similar between the fresh ET and e-FET arms in group A (35/76 (46.1%) vs 29/67 (43.3%), p = 0.74) and group B (165/275 (60%) vs 216/324 (66.7%), p = 0.091), whereas significantly higher rates were detected in favor of the e-FET arm within group C (328/460 (71.3%) vs 201/348 (57.8%), p<0.001) and group D (227/348 (65.2%), vs 446/625 (71.5%), p<0.001). The OHSS rate was also found to be higher in the fresh ET arm among group C (12/348 (3.4%) vs 0/460 (0%), p<0.001) and group D (38/348 (10.9%) vs 3/625 (0.5%), p<0.001) patients than e-FET arm. Perinatal and obstetrical outcomes were nonsignificantly different between fresh and e-FET arms. However, the birth weights were significantly lower for fresh ET, 3064 versus 3201 g for singletons (p<0.001) Conclusion Compared with a fresh-transfer strategy, the e-FET strategy resulted in a higher CLBR among patients with >10 oocytes retrieved during stimulated cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazilet Kubra Boynukalin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Niyazi Emre Turgut
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Gultomruk
- Department of Embryology and R&D Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selen Ecemis
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Necati Findikli
- Department of Embryology and R&D Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bahceci
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Center, Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
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46
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Abdelhakim AM, Abd-ElGawad M, Hussein RS, Abbas AM. Vaginal versus intramuscular progesterone for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:389-397. [PMID: 32054365 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1727879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to compare the efficacy of vaginal progesterone versus intramuscular progesterone (IMP) for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). A comprehensive electronic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) was performed from inception till August 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We included studies performed different ART with the use of vaginal progesterone versus IMP for luteal phase support. Our primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Our secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth rates, and satisfaction in both groups. 15 RCTs met our inclusion criteria with a total of 5656 patients. Our analysis indicated no significant differences between vaginal progesterone and IMP regarding clinical and ongoing pregnancies (RR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.80, 1.00], p = .06), (RR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.76, 1.06], p = .21), respectively. No significant differences were found between both routes of progesterone in miscarriage (p = .98) and live birth (p = .99). Subgroup analysis between fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles in above outcomes showed no difference between progesterone routes. Vaginal progesterone was significantly associated with more satisfaction compared to IMP (p < .00001). In conclusion, vaginal progesterone can be used an alternative method for luteal phase support instead of IMP in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhakim
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
- Kasralainy, Faculty of medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd-ElGawad
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Reda S Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ahmed M Abbas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
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47
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Sik A, Oral S, Aba YA, Ozolcay O, Koc M, Sismanoglu A. Pregnancy results after fresh embryo transfer and selective frozen-thawed embryo transfer: Single-center experience. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Orvieto R, Kirshenbaum M, Gleicher N. Is Embryo Cryopreservation Causing Macrosomia-and What Else? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:19. [PMID: 32047479 PMCID: PMC6997460 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle is directly related to the high incidence of multiple births, which is the culprit of perinatal morbidity. Therefore, single fresh embryo transfer (ET) strategy, or freeze-all, followed by a single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle, may dramatically reduce the rate of multiple births, without compromising the cumulative live birth rates (LBRs). A literature review was conducted for all available evidences assessing obstetrics and perinatal outcomes associated with FET compared to fresh ET and natural conception. While studies comparing fresh and FET cycles in normal responders have yielded conflicting results for pregnancy rate, FET was associated with lower risk of prematurity and low birth weight and increased risk of large for gestational age (LGA) and/or macrosomic in singletons, when compared with fresh ET. Macrosomic/LGA births have a higher risk of fetal hypoxia, stillbirth, shoulder dystocia, perineal lacerations, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal metabolic disturbances at birth. Nonetheless, it seems that other than higher risk of fetal macrosomia, there are additional obstetric complications associated with FET. The relative risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, as well as perinatal mortality were also demonstrated to be increased in FET compared with singletons from fresh ET and natural conception. Therefore, when considering elective freeze-all policy, in addition to LBR and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, physicians should consider the aforementioned increased FET cycles' pregnancy complications, including LGA/ macrosomia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, as well as perinatal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Raoul Orvieto
| | - Michal Kirshenbaum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, United States
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
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49
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Clinical utility of freeze-all approach in ART treatment: A mini-review. Cryobiology 2019; 92:9-14. [PMID: 31770530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A significant proportion of couples at reproductive age rely on assisted reproductive technology to overcome infertility. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves typically the use of exogenous gonadotropins to stimulate the ovary to produce oocytes, which are collected surgically. After fertilization by conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryos are cultured in the embryology laboratory for a few days before being replaced into the uterus (fresh embryo transfer). Spare embryos can be vitrified and stored in liquid nitrogen to be transferred in a subsequent cycle. Over the years, concerns have arisen about possible adverse outcomes of transferring embryos back to the uterus immediately after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) as regards to obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. It has been suggested that high hormonal levels during COS could create a relatively hostile environment for embryo implantation whilst increasing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). With the remarkable improvement of vitrification as an alternative to the slow-freezing technique for human embryos, a new strategy the so-called "freeze-all" (FA) or "elective frozen embryo transfer" (eFET) was introduced. This approach involves COS, followed by the elective cryopreservation of the entire cohort of viable embryos to be transferred to the uterus in subsequent cycles in a possibly more physiological environment, thus avoiding the supra-physiologic hormonal levels observed during COS. The initial reports suggested that this policy could lead to improved pregnancy rates and reduced perinatal complications, which resulted in a steady increase and widespread use of FA globally. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that the use of FA to unselected couples undergoing ART offered no additional benefits over the conventional approach. Nonetheless, current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies indicates that FA might be justified in selected clinical scenarios, such as those involving the risk of OHSS. By contrast, there is a lack of evidence to support the FA policy for other indications, such as implantation failure or high progesterone levels on the trigger day. This review summarizes the clinical effectiveness of FA with the main focus on the health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH164SA, UK.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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50
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Vanni VS, De Lorenzo R, Privitera L, Canti V, Viganò P, Rovere-Querini P. Safety of fertility treatments in women with systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:841-852. [PMID: 31238745 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1636964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (SADs) include systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and vasculitis. SADs often occur in women of childbearing age and can affect fertility. Both infertility treatments and fertility preservation techniques are thus often indicated. Areas covered: The literature regarding the safety of fertility-related drugs for both fertility preservation and infertility treatment in patients affected by SADs was reviewed. Based on current knowledge, all the options for fertility preservation should be contemplated in patients with SADs who are at risk for fertility loss, including GnRH analogue administration, oocyte/embryo vitrification and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Similarly, if pregnancy is not contraindicated in a patient with a SAD, neither should be any fertility treatment. Expert opinion: Women with SADs should postpone conception until a stable disease has been achieved for at least 6 months. When infertility treatments are needed, women with antiphospholipid antibodies should receive concomitant anticoagulation. If in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer is required, ovarian hyperstimulation and the inherent risk of thrombosis should be eliminated by GnRH-agonist trigger and cycle segmentation. Counselling about adherence to anti-rheumatic therapy to prevent disease exacerbations is also critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Vanni
- a Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy.,b Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - R De Lorenzo
- b Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - L Privitera
- c Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
| | - V Canti
- b Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - P Viganò
- a Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
| | - P Rovere-Querini
- b Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,d Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
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