In vitro fertilization in women over 40 years of age. A study on retrospective data for eight years

A retrospective (1987-1995), single-center study was conducted to evaluate the IVF success rate in women who were 40 years and over. Controls were randomly selected patients who were 35 years or younger from the same center. The main evaluation criterion was the number of pregnancies initiated in each group and especially the number of full-term deliveries (take-home baby rate). Differences were considered as statistically significant for P < or = 0.05: A total of 194 IVF attempts in women 40 years or over were compared to 209 attempts in the control group. The mean ages of the two groups was 40.9 vs. 29.3 years (P < 0.001). The duration of follicle stimulation was 12.9 vs. 13.1 days (not significant, NS). The number of ampules was 29.6 vs. 29.2 (NS). Serum estradiol levels were 1435.8 vs. 2020.8 pg/ml (P < 0.001). Oocytes: 4.6 vs. 7.3 (P < 0.001). Embryos: 1.7 vs. 2.8 (P < 0.0001). Full-term deliveries: 3.6 vs. 13.4% (P < 0.05). Better oocyte retrieval was achieved (5.3 vs. 3.3; P = 0.001) in the group that was 40 years or over, but there were no differences in the rate of embryo transfer (1.9 vs. 1.3; NS) and full-term deliveries (4.2 vs. 2.9%) in a long protocol compared to a short one. The results of the study are similar to those found in the literature. Indications for standard IVF without oocyte donation should be carefully thought out and couples should be warned of the low success rate.

[Medical treatment exclusively for cervical pregnancy with in situ methotrexate]

We present a case report of cervical pregnancy with medical treatment. Medical treatment consisted in injection of methotrexate (50 mg) into the pregnancy, on the first, third and seventh day. Ultrasound and Doppler give important information for follow up. The pregnancy totally resolved and the patient did not need any further treatment.

[Umbilical endometriosis. A case report]

Umbilical endometriosis is a rare site of the disease. The authors report a case of umbilical endometriosis only. Umbilical involvement is estimated at 0.5 to 1% of all site of the disease. This is a disorder affecting women of childbearing age, with a mean age of about 40. Medical treatment by progestogens or Danazol is inconstantly and partially effective regarding umbilical endometriosis. Surgical excision remains the only effective treatment: omphalectomy with wide removal of the tumor and reconstruction of an umbilicus. Surgery enables histologic study and, in the presence of suggestive symptomatology, search for and treatment of other genital sites.

[Simultaneous pregnancy in each cavity of a bicornuate bicervical uterus with a double vagina]

A case of twin pregnancy in a bicervical uterus with double vagina is reported. The malformation was known before conception. Caesarean section was performed for premature rupture of the membranes at 34 weeks. This enabled the extraction of two low-birth-weight premature infants free of any particular pathology. The possibility of twin pregnancy in a bicervical bicornuate uterus is 1/1,000,000 and implies the maturation of at least two oocytes. This is a high risk pregnancy. Spontaneous abortions, prematurity (40%), low-birth-weight (25%) are the most notable complications. Although the probability of dynamic dystocia is multiplied by 7, vaginal delivery is not excluded when the obstetric past history is satisfactory and the presentation of both twins cephalic. Caesarean involves hysterotomy of each horn and raises no special technical problems. Double delivery increases the risk of hemorrhage.