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Cottell E, Michalet D, Lispi M, Araujo TD, Gleixner R, Longobardi S, D'Hooghe T. Dose accuracy of the follitropin alfa pen injector 2.0, the follitropin alfa:lutropin alfa 2:1 combination pen injector 2.0 and the choriogonadotropin alfa pen injector 1.0 used for fertility treatment. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:337-346. [PMID: 38299472 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2311127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to confirm that the incremental dose/clicks system dispenses accurate doses for the Merck family of fertility pen injectors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Set doses (Vset) for three dose dial settings (minimum dose [Vmin], midpoint dose [Vmid] and maximum dose [Vmax] for the follitropin alfa, choriogonadotropin alfa [D2 classification: single use/variable dose], and follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen injectors) or a single Vset for the choriogonadotropin alfa (D1 classification: single use/single dose) were assessed. Last dose administered by the multi-dose device was assessed for the 900 IU, 450 IU, 300 IU and 150 IU follitropin alfa, and the 900:450 IU, 450:225 IU and 300:150 IU follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen presentations. RESULTS Dose accuracy tests for Vmin, Vmid and Vmax for the follitropin alfa and the follitropin alfa:lutropin-alfa 2:1 combination pen injectors, and last dose administered, were within acceptable limits according to ISO 11,608-1:2012/2014. Dose accuracy tests for the single use/single dose device classification and the single use/variable dose device classification of the choriogonadotropin alfa pen injector were also within the acceptable limits, according to ISO 11608-1:2000/2014. CONCLUSIONS The Merck family of fertility pen injectors functions reliably and the incremental dose/clicks system dispenses accurate doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien Michalet
- Ares Trading S.A. Eysins (An affiliate of Merck KGaA), Switzerland
| | - Monica Lispi
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, MO, Italy
| | | | - Ralf Gleixner
- Ares Trading S.A. Eysins (An affiliate of Merck KGaA), Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A, Rome, Italy, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - 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, CT, USA
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D'Hooghe T. Preface: Emerging importance of real world evidence in reproductive medicine. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102423. [PMID: 37952325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human FSH: recombinant human LH combination treatment versus recombinant human FSH alone for assisted reproductive technology in women aged 35-40 years. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 48:103725. [PMID: 38593745 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION According to real-world data, is recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH alone more effective for women of advanced maternal age (AMA) in terms of live birth? DESIGN Non-interventional study comparing the effectiveness of r-hFSH and recombinant r-hLH (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register. RESULTS Overall clinical pregnancy (29.8%, 95% CI 28.2 to 31.6 versus 27.8%, 95% CI 26.5 to 29.2) and live birth (20.3%, 95% CI 18.7 to 21.8 versus 18.0%, 95% CI 16.6 to 19.4) rates were not significantly different between the combined r-hFSH and r-hLH group and the r-hFSH alone group (P = 0.269 and P = 0.092, respectively). Treatment effect was significantly higher for combined r-hFSH and r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone for clinical pregnancy (33.1%, 95% CI 31.0 to 35.0 versus 28.5%, 95% CI 26.6 to 30.4; P = 0.001, not adjusted for multiplicity) and live birth (22.5%, 95% CI 20.5 to 24.2 versus 19.4%, 95% CI 17.6 to 20.9; P = 0.014, not adjusted for multiplicity) in a post-hoc analysis of women with five to 14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of combined r-hFSH and r-hLH for ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve. CONCLUSIONS Women of AMA with normal ovarian response benefit from treatment with combined r-hFSH and r-hLH in a 2:1 ratio versus r-hFSH alone in terms of live birth rate. The effectiveness of treatments is best assessed by RCTs; however, real-world data are valuable for examining the effectiveness of fertility treatment, especially among patient groups that are not well represented in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Juan-Enrique Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | | | - Brooke Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, Massachusetts, 02370, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dana Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jan-Steffan Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Van Muylder A, D'Hooghe T, Luyten J. Economic Evaluation of Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Methodological Systematic Review. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:973-991. [PMID: 37621143 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231188129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is a challenging application area for health economic evaluations, entailing a broad range of costs and outcomes, stretching out long-term and accruing to several parties. PURPOSE To systematically review which costs and outcomes are included in published economic evaluations of MAR and to compare these with health technology assessment (HTA) prescriptions about which cost and outcomes should be considered for different evaluation objectives. DATA SOURCES HTA guidelines and systematic searches of PubMed Central, Embase, WOS CC, CINAHL, Cochrane (CENTRAL), HTA, and NHS EED. STUDY SELECTION All economic evaluations of MAR published from 2010 to 2022. DATA EXTRACTION A predetermined data collection form summarized study characteristics. Essential costs and outcomes of MAR were listed based on HTA and treatment guidelines for different evaluation objectives. For each study, included costs and outcomes were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS The review identified 93 cost-effectiveness estimates, of which 57% were expressed as cost-per-(healthy)-live-birth, 19% as cost-per-pregnancy, and 47% adopted a clinic perspective. Few adopted societal perspectives and only 2% used quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Broader evaluations omitted various relevant costs and outcomes related to MAR. There are several cost and outcome categories for which available HTA guidelines do not provide conclusive directions regarding inclusion or exclusion. LIMITATIONS Studies published before 2010 and of interventions not clearly labeled as MAR were excluded. We focus on methods rather than which MAR treatments are cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Economic evaluations of MAR typically calculate a short-term cost-per-live-birth from a clinic perspective. Broader analyses, using cost-per-QALY or BCRs from societal perspectives, considering the full scope of reproduction-related costs and outcomes, are scarce and often incomplete. We provide a summary of costs and outcomes for future research guidance and identify areas requiring HTA methodological development. HIGHLIGHTS The cost-effectiveness of MAR procedures can be exceptionally complex to estimate as there is a broad range of costs and outcomes involved, in principle stretching out over multiple generations and over many stakeholders.We list 21 key areas of costs and outcomes of MAR. Which of these needs to be accounted for alters for different evaluation objectives (determined by the type of economic evaluation, time horizon considered, and perspective).Published studies mostly investigate cost-effectiveness in the very short-term, from a clinic perspective, expressed as cost-per-live-birth. There is a lack of comprehensive economic evaluations that adopt a broader perspective with a longer time horizon. The broader the evaluation objective, the more relevant costs and outcomes were excluded.For several costs and outcomes, particularly those relevant for broader, societal evaluations of MAR, the inclusion or exclusion is theoretically ambiguous, and HTA guidelines do not offer sufficient guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Van Muylder
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
| | - Jeroen Luyten
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AVM, JL); Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium (TD); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (TD); Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (TD). The review was written at the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy. It was presented at the ESHRE 38th Annual Meeting (Milan 2022). The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten have no conflicting interests to declare. The participation of Thomas D'Hooghe to this publication is part of his academic work; he does not see a conflict of interest as Merck KGaA was not involved in writing this article. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: We acknowledge an internal funding from KU Leuven for this study. The funding agreement ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. The following authors are employed by the sponsor: Astrid Van Muylder and Jeroen Luyten
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Montenegro S, Helwig C, Schwarze JE, Castello-Bridoux C, Marque S, Lispi M, D'Hooghe T. Letter to the editor in response to 'A real-world study of ART in France (REOLA) comparing a biosimilar rFSH against the originator according to rFSH starting dose' by P. Barrière, S. Hamamah, E. Arbo, C. Avril, B. Salle, J.-L. Pouly, et al. (J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2023;52(1):102510). J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2023; 52:102640. [PMID: 37549879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Monica Lispi
- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Unit of Endocrinology, PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia 42121, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck 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, United States
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6
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Colamatteo A, Fusco C, Micillo T, D'Hooghe T, de Candia P, Alviggi C, Longobardi S, Matarese G. Immunobiology of pregnancy: from basic science to translational medicine. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:711-725. [PMID: 37331882 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation failure and spontaneous abortions represent the main causes of infertility in developed countries. Unfortunately, incomplete knowledge of the multiple factors involved in implantation and fetal development keeps the success rate of medically assisted procreation techniques relatively low. According to recent literature, cellular and molecular mechanisms of 'immunogenic tolerance' towards the embryo are crucial to establish an 'anti-inflammatory' state permissive of a healthy pregnancy. In this review we dissect the role played by the immune system in the endometrial-embryo crosstalk, with a particular emphasis towards the fork-head-box-p3 (Foxp3+) CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and discuss the most recent therapeutic advances in the context of early immune-mediated pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Colamatteo
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Clorinda Fusco
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Micillo
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paola de Candia
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy.
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7
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Venetis CA, Helwig C, Mol BW, Chua SJ, Longobardi S, Orvieto R, Lispi M, Storr A, D'Hooghe T. Correction: Biosimilar recombinant follitropin alfa preparations versus the reference product (Gonal-F®) in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37496043 PMCID: PMC10369731 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christos A Venetis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Dept of OB/Gyn, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington Campus, New South Wales, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | | | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Monash, Monash, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Su Jen Chua
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt 64293, Germany), Rome, 00176, Italy
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 52621, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6997801, Israel
| | - Monica Lispi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, MO, 41121, Italy
- GlobalMedical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, F135/002, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Ashleigh Storr
- Flinders Fertility, Adelaide, South Australia, 5045, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- GlobalMedical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, F135/002, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Barbato V, Genovese V, De Gregorio V, Di Nardo M, Travaglione A, De Napoli L, Fragomeni G, Zanetti EM, Adiga SK, Mondrone G, D'Hooghe T, Zheng W, Longobardi S, Catapano G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Dynamic in vitro culture of bovine and human ovarian tissue enhances follicle progression and health. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11773. [PMID: 37479791 PMCID: PMC10361967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro ovarian cortical tissue culture, followed by culture of isolated secondary follicles, is a promising future option for production of mature oocytes. Although efforts have been made to improve the culture outcome by changing the medium composition, so far, most studies used static culture systems. Here we describe the outcome of 7 days cultures of bovine and human ovarian cortical tissue in a dynamic system using a novel perifusion bioreactor in comparison to static culture in conventional and/or gas permeable dishes. Findings show that dynamic culture significantly improves follicle quality and viability, percentage and health of secondary follicles, overall tissue health, and steroid secretion in both species. Model predictions suggest that such amelioration can be mediated by an enhanced oxygen availability and/or by fluid-mechanical shear stresses and solid compressive strains exerted on the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies ITB, National Research Council CNR, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi De Napoli
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Gionata Fragomeni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa - Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Satish K Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Giuseppe Mondrone
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (Leuven University), Gasthuisberg Campus, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wengijng Zheng
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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Alviggi C, Longobardi S, Papaleo E, Santi D, Alfano S, Vanni VS, Campitiello MR, De Rosa P, Strina I, Huhtaniemi I, Pursiheimo JP, D'Hooghe T, Humaidan P, Conforti A. Genetic Variants of Gonadotropins and Their Receptors Could Influence Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: IVF Data from a Prospective Multicenter Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1269. [PMID: 37372449 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific polymorphisms might influence controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Data regarding possible interactions of these polymorphisms are still scanty. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their receptors in women undergoing ART. METHODS A total of 94 normogonadotropic patients from three public ART units were enrolled. Patients underwent a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) long down-regulation protocol with a starting dose of 150 IU of recombinant follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) daily. Eight polymorphisms were genotyped. RESULTS A total of 94 women (mean age 30.71 ± 2.61) were recruited. Fewer fertilized and mature oocytes were retrieved in homozygous carriers of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) 291 (T/T) than in heterozygous C/T carriers (p = 0.035 and p = 0.05, respectively). In FSH receptor (FSHR) rs6165 and FSHR rs6166 carriers, the ratio between total gonadotropin consumption and number of oocytes retrieved differed significantly among three genotypes (p = 0.050), and the ratio was lower in homozygous A/A carriers than in homozygous G/G and heterozygous carriers. Women who co-expressed allele G in FSHR-29 rs1394205 and FSHR rs6166 and allele C LHCGR 291 rs12470652 are characterized by an increased ratio between total FSH dosage and number of oocytes collected after ovarian stimulation (risk ratio: 5.44, CI 95%: 3.18-7.71, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that specific polymorphisms affect the response to ovarian stimulation. Despite this finding, more robust studies are required to establish the clinical utility of genotype analysis before ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Simona Alfano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Rosa
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic at Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
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10
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Grynberg M, Cedrin-Durnerin I, Raguideau F, Herquelot E, Luciani L, Porte F, Verpillat P, Helwig C, Schwarze JE, Paillet S, Castello-Bridoux C, D'Hooghe T, Benchaïb M. Comparative effectiveness of gonadotropins used for ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in France: A real-world observational study from the French nationwide claims database (SNDS). Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 88:102308. [PMID: 36707343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This comparative non-interventional study using data from the French National Health Database (Système National des Données de Santé) investigated real-world (cumulative) live birth outcomes following ovarian stimulation, leading to oocyte pickup with either originator recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) products (alfa or beta), r-hFSH alfa biosimilars, or urinaries including mainly HP-hMG (menotropins), and marginally u-hFSH-HP (urofollitropin). Using data from 245,534 stimulations (153,600 women), biosimilars resulted in a 19% lower live birth (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.86) and a 14% lower cumulative live birth (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.89); and urinaries resulted in a 7% lower live birth (adjusted OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.96) and an 11% lower cumulative live birth (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.91) versus originator r-hFSH alfa. Results were consistent across strata (age and ART strategy), sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching, and with r-hFSH alfa and beta as the reference group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grynberg
- Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 92140, Clamart, France; Hôpital Jean Verdier, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 93140, Bondy, France.
| | - I Cedrin-Durnerin
- Hôpital Jean Verdier, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 93140, Bondy, France.
| | | | | | - L Luciani
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Real-World Evidence, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - F Porte
- Direction des Affaires économiques - Market Access, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | | | - C Helwig
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | | | - S Paillet
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Fertilité, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - C Castello-Bridoux
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Fertilité, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - Box 805 | B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - M Benchaïb
- Hôpital Mère Enfant, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 69500, Bron, France.
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11
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Lispi M, Humaidan P, Bousfield GR, D'Hooghe T, Ulloa-Aguirre A. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Biological Products: Does Potency Predict Clinical Efficacy? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109020. [PMID: 37240364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), together with luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), plays a fundamental role in human reproduction. The discovery of FSH and other gonadotropins was a defining moment in our understanding of reproduction and led to the development of many treatments for infertility. In this regard, exogenous FSH has been used to treat infertility in women for decades. Today, several recombinant and highly purified urinary forms of FSH are used in medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, differences in the macro- and micro-heterogeneity of FSH result in a variety of FSH glycoforms, with glycoform composition determining the bioactivity (or potency), pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles, and clinical efficacy of the different forms of FSH. This review illustrates how the structural heterogeneity of FSH glycoforms affects the biological activity of human FSH products, and why potency does not predict effects in humans in terms of PK, PD, and clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lispi
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Unit of Endocrinology, PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic at Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - George R Bousfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición SZ, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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12
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Matorras R, Chaudhari VS, Roeder C, Schwarze JE, Bühler K, Hwang K, Chang-Woo C, Iniesta S, D'Hooghe T, Mathur R. Evaluation of costs associated with fertility treatment leading to a live birth after one fresh transfer: A global perspective. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 89:102349. [PMID: 37327667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Considerable costs are associated with infertility treatment, but little evidence is available on the main drivers of treatment costs. This cost analysis investigated key costs for treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the proportion of costs attributed to the acquisition of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) alfa originator for one fresh embryo transfer (ET) leading to a live birth in Spain, Norway, the UK, Germany, Denmark, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The total costs for one ART cycle with a fresh ET leading to a live birth varied between countries (€4108-€12,314). Costs for pregnancy and live birth were the major contributors in European countries, and the costs of oocyte retrieval, monitoring during ovarian stimulation, pregnancy, and live birth were the top contributors in the Asia-Pacific countries, included in this analysis. Acquisition costs for r-hFSH alfa originator contributed to only 5%-17% of the total costs of one ART cycle with one fresh ET leading to a live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Matorras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Basque Country University, Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain; BioCruces Health Research Institute, Spain; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI Bilbao, IVIRMA, Bilbao, Spain
| | - V S Chaudhari
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, USA.
| | - C Roeder
- Pharma Value Consulting, Switzerland
| | - J E Schwarze
- Merck Healthcare, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - K Bühler
- Scientific Centre for Endometriosis, University Hospitals of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Gynecology, Jena-University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - K Hwang
- Cha University, Fertility Centre, Bundang Medical Centre, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - C Chang-Woo
- Seoul Maria Fertility Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S Iniesta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ruber Internacional Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare, Merck 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
| | - R Mathur
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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13
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH): recombinant human luteinizing hormone versus r-hFSH alone in assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles among women aged 35-40 years: A German database study. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 89:102350. [PMID: 37320996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This non-interventional study compared the effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) and recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation (OS) during assisted reproductive technology treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register (D·I·R). Numerically higher clinical pregnancy (29.8% [95% CI 28.2, 31.6] vs. 27.8% [26.5, 29.2]) and live birth (20.3% [18.7, 21.8] vs. 18.0% [16.6, 19.4]) rates were observed with r-hFSH:r-hLH versus r-hFSH alone. The treatment effect was consistently higher for r-hFSH:r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone in terms of clinical pregnancy (relative risk [RR] 1.16 [1.05, 1.26]) and live birth (RR 1.16 [1.02, 1.31]) in a post-hoc analysis of women with 5-14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of r-hFSH:r-hLH for OS in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - J E Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - P Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - M Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
| | - R Fischer
- Fertility Centre Hamburg, 20095, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - B Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370, USA, and affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - D Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - J S Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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14
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Sgueglia G, Longobardi S, Valerio D, Campitiello MR, Colacurci N, Di Pietro C, Battaglia R, D'Hooghe T, Altucci L, Dell'Aversana C. The impact of epigenetic landscape on ovarian cells in infertile older women undergoing IVF procedures. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:76. [PMID: 37143127 PMCID: PMC10161563 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant decline in fertility and older reproductive age is the major cause of low clinical pregnancy rates in industrialised countries. Epigenetic mechanisms impact on proper embryonic development in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) protocols. Here, we describe the main epigenetic modifications that may influence female reproduction and could affect IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sgueglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Valerio
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics "Giovanni Sichel", University of Catania, 95123, Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics "Giovanni Sichel", University of Catania, 95123, Catania, CT, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy.
- BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, Italy.
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmela Dell'Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Programma di Epigenetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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15
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Nevelli F, Palmese A, Gleixner R, Peroglio F, D'Acunto CW, Dadone A, D'Hooghe T, Lispi M. Biological Assay to Determine Gonadotropin Potency: From In Vivo to In Vitro Sustainable Method. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098040. [PMID: 37175746 PMCID: PMC10178553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Various preparations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are commercially available; however, they differ in glycoforms composition and purity owing to their respective sources. Additional chemical/physical changes can also be introduced during manufacturing and can impact their biological activity (biopotency), which is routinely assessed using an in vivo bioassay (Steelman-Pohley). This study aimed to determine whether an in vitro bioassay could assess biopotency by distinguishing between r-hFSH chemical/physical variants with similar ability to the in vivo bioassay. The specific activity (units of biological activity per mg of product) of variants of r-hFSH generated through enrichment (acidic/basic), stress (oxidative/acidic pH) and enzymatic treatment (desialylation and desialylation/degalactosylation) was compared using the in vivo and in vitro bioassays. The in vitro bioassay reliably detected potential chemical/physical modifications in r-hFSH variants that may impact biopotency. Overall, the methods demonstrated a comparable ability to detect changes in specific activities due to chemical/physical differences in r-hFSH variants. These data indicate that the in vitro bioassay is suitable to replace the in vivo bioassay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nevelli
- Analytical Development Biotech-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche "Antoine Marxer" RBM S.p.A., Colleretto Giacosa, Via Ribes, 1, 10010 Samone, Italy
| | - Angelo Palmese
- Analytical Development Biotech-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Merck Serono S.p.A., Piazza del Pigneto, 9, 00176 Rome, Italy
| | - Ralf Gleixner
- Ares Trading S.A., Rue de l'Ouriette 151, 1170 Aubonne, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Peroglio
- GHO Ivrea QC & Scientific Excellence-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche "Antoine Marxer" RBM S.p.A., Colleretto Giacosa, Via Ribes, 1, 10010 Samone, Italy
| | - Cosimo-Walter D'Acunto
- Analytical Development Biotech-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche "Antoine Marxer" RBM S.p.A., Colleretto Giacosa, Via Ribes, 1, 10010 Samone, Italy
- Analytical Development Biotech-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Merck Serono S.p.A., Piazza del Pigneto, 9, 00176 Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Dadone
- Analytical Development Biotech-Global Analytical Development-Global Development & Launch-Global Healthcare Operation, Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche "Antoine Marxer" RBM S.p.A., Colleretto Giacosa, Via Ribes, 1, 10010 Samone, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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16
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Fenwick E, Eze A, D'Hooghe T, Pandey S, Chaudhari VS, Ostawal A, Luyten J, Harty G. The value of treatment for infertility: A systematic literature review of willingness-to-pay thresholds and approaches for determining the cost effectiveness of fertility therapies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 89:102340. [PMID: 37290265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Willingness to pay (WTP) for an infertility treatment is the maximum amount of money a patient is willing to pay per treatment, or to achieve a live birth or pregnancy. Such thresholds are important to determine the cost effectiveness of a treatment. A systematic review was conducted to identify and explore the studies that attempt to ascertain WTP for infertility and compare them with the cost-effectiveness studies that claimed to use WTP thresholds. For comparison, all the costs were converted and inflated to 2021 euros. The results demonstrated that there were no standard outcomes or WTP thresholds for an outcome/treatment, and the methodologies used vary. Cost-effectiveness studies either used the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to imply a WTP threshold, or used thresholds that were previously accepted for a quality-adjusted life year outcome converted, inappropriately, to an infertility outcome. There is a need for further research by health economists to develop a consensus for the meaningful assessment of WTP for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adaeze Eze
- Strategic Market Access, OPEN Health, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, 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, CT, USA
| | | | - Vivek S Chaudhari
- EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jeroen Luyten
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gerard Harty
- Global Evidence & Value Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
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17
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Geysenbergh B, Boes AS, Bafort C, Van Rompuy AS, Neyens S, Lie-Fong S, Debrock S, Vriens J, De Loecker P, Dancet E, D'Hooghe T, Peeraer K. The impact of chronic endometritis on infertility: prevalence, reproductive outcomes, and the role of hysteroscopy as a screening tool. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 88:108-115. [PMID: 36739858 DOI: 10.1159/000529304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women, its impact on reproductive outcomes, and the accuracy of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for CE. DESIGN Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS 514 asymptomatic patients with infertility. SETTING Tertiary care center. METHODS The participants underwent a hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy (EMB). Antibiotics were given for cases of CE. We investigated the prevalence of CE in patients starting assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in the ART cycle after hysteroscopy, EMB, and antibiotic treatment in cases of CE; the cumulative CPR in the subsequent 2 years after hysteroscopy and EMB; the sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool compared to EMB as the "gold standard" for diagnosing CE. RESULTS CE was identified in 2.8% of patients starting ART (11/393). CPRs did not differ significantly between patients with CE and the entire cohort of patients without CE in the subsequent ART cycle (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.09-2.02) or in the 2 years after EMB (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.16-1.97). In a matched control comparison (with matching for age, basal FSH, and cause of infertility) CPR in patients with CE did not differ in the subsequent ART cycle (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.09-1.61); however, their CPR in the 2 years after EMB was significantly lower (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.13-0.38). The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for diagnosing CE were 8.3% and 90.1%, respectively. LIMITATIONS Due to our cohort's low CE prevalence, we could not detect significant differences in CPRs. CONCLUSION CE is rare in our studied population of asymptomatic patients starting ART. Hysteroscopy cannot replace EMB for diagnosing CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brecht Geysenbergh
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynaecology, GZA Hospitals, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Boes
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynaecology, AZ Diest, Diest, Belgium
| | - Céline Bafort
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Neyens
- Department of Gynaecology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Sharon Lie-Fong
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Lab of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter De Loecker
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynaecology, GZA Hospitals, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eline Dancet
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Department of Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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19
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Venetis CA, Storr A, Chua SJ, Mol BW, Longobardi S, Yin X, D'Hooghe T. What is the optimal GnRH antagonist protocol for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:307-326. [PMID: 36594696 PMCID: PMC10152179 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several GnRH antagonist protocols are currently used during COS in the context of ART treatments; however, questions remain regarding whether these protocols are comparable in terms of efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A systematic review followed by a pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed. The systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of direct comparative data according to the PRISMA guidelines evaluated the effectiveness of different GnRH antagonist protocols (fixed Day 5/6 versus flexible, ganirelix versus cetrorelix, with or without hormonal pretreatment) on the probability of live birth and ongoing pregnancy after COS during ART treatment. A frequentist network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect comparisons (using the long GnRH agonist protocol as the comparator) was also performed to enhance the precision of the estimates. SEARCH METHODS The systematic literature search was performed using Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Trials (CENTRAL), SCOPUS and Web of Science (WOS), from inception until 23 November 2021. The search terms comprised three different MeSH terms that should be present in the identified studies: GnRH antagonist; assisted reproduction treatment; randomized controlled trial (RCT). Only studies published in English were included. OUTCOMES The search strategy resulted in 6738 individual publications, of which 102 were included in the systematic review (corresponding to 75 unique studies) and 73 were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies were of low quality. One study compared a flexible protocol with a fixed Day 5 protocol and the remaining RCTs with a fixed Day 6 protocol. There was a lack of data regarding live birth when comparing the flexible and fixed GnRH antagonist protocols or cetrorelix and ganirelix. No significant difference in live birth rate was observed between the different pretreatment regimens versus no pretreatment or between the different pretreatment protocols. A flexible GnRH antagonist protocol resulted in a significantly lower OPR compared with a fixed Day 5/6 protocol (relative risk (RR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.94, I2 = 0%; 6 RCTs; n = 907 participants; low certainty evidence). There were insufficient data for a comparison of cetrorelix and ganirelix for OPR. OCP pretreatment was associated with a lower OPR compared with no pretreatment intervention (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.92; I2 = 0%; 5 RCTs, n = 1318 participants; low certainty evidence). Furthermore, in the network meta-analysis, a fixed protocol with OCP resulted in a significantly lower OPR than a fixed protocol with no pretreatment (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.99; moderate quality evidence). The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) scores suggested that the fixed protocol with no pretreatment is the antagonist protocol most likely (84%) to result in the highest OPR. There was insufficient evidence of a difference between fixed/flexible or OCP pretreatment/no pretreatment interventions regarding other outcomes, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and miscarriage rates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Available evidence, mostly of low quality and certainty, suggests that different antagonist protocols should not be considered as equivalent for clinical decision-making. More trials are required to assess the comparative effectiveness of ganirelix versus cetrorelix, the effect of different pretreatment interventions (e.g. progestins or oestradiol) or the effect of different criteria for initiation of the antagonist in the flexible protocol. Furthermore, more studies are required examining the optimal GnRH antagonist protocol in women with high or low response to ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Venetis
- University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sydney, Australia.,IVFAustralia, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
| | - A Storr
- Flinders Fertility, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - S J Chua
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - B W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - S Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A, Rome, Italy, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - X Yin
- EMD Serono Inc., R&D Global Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Medical Writing, Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - T 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, CT, USA
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20
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Luyten J, Connolly MP, Verbeke E, Buhler K, Scotland G, Lispi M, Revelli A, Borget I, Cedrin-Durnerin I, D'Hooghe T. Economic evaluation of Medically Assisted Reproduction: An educational overview of methods and applications for healthcare professionals. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:217-228. [PMID: 35219590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Economic evaluations of the value-for-money of Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) interventions are increasingly important due to growing pressure on healthcare budgets. Although such evaluations are commonplace in the published literature, the number/methodological complexity of different evaluations available, and the challenges specific to MAR interventions, can complicate the interpretation of such analyses for fertility treatments. This article aims to serve as an educational resource and provide context on the design/interpretation of economic analyses for MAR interventions. Several areas are relevant for first-line providers and decision makers: scope of analysis, comparator used, perspective/time horizon considered, outcomes used to measure success, and how results from cost-effectiveness studies can be summarised and used in clinical practice. We aim to help clinicians better understand the strengths/weaknesses of economic analyses, to enable the best use of the evidence in practice, so resources available for MAR interventions can provide maximum value to patients and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Luyten
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Mark P Connolly
- Global Market Access Solutions Sarl, Route de Buchillon, 65 St-Prex 1162, Switzerland; Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Evelyn Verbeke
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Klaus Buhler
- Scientific Clinical Centre for Endometriosis, University Hospitals of Saarland, Saarbrüken, Germany; Department of Gynaecology, Jena-University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, 07737, Jena, Germany.
| | - Graham Scotland
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK; Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Monica Lispi
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany; School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi N. 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Alberto Revelli
- SCDU2 Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Via Ventimiglia 1, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Isabelle Borget
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oncostat U1018, Inserm, Labeled Ligue Contre le Cancer Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, 114, rue Édouard-Vaillant, Villejuif Cedex, 94805, France; EA GRADES, University Paris-Saclay, Bâtiment B, 5 ue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry Cedex, France.
| | - Isabelle Cedrin-Durnerin
- AP-HP- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Jean Verdier Hospital, July 14th Avenue, 93140, Bondy, France.
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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21
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Koloda Y, Korsak V, Rozenson O, Anshina M, Sagamonova K, Baranov I, Yakovenko S, D'Hooghe T, Ershova A, Lispi M. Use of a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone:recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hFSH:r-hLH) 2:1 combination for controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technology treatment: A real-world study of routine practice in the Russian Federation. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:134-148. [PMID: 35216907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Two observational studies in the Russian Federation described patient demographics/clinical decision for treatment with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone:recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hFSH:r-hLH) 2:1 combination for ovarian stimulation (OS) during assisted reproductive technology (ART) and outcomes, respectively. The first (prospective) study enrolled 500 patients. After post-hoc regrouping to assign patients to discrete groups, 378 (75.6%) met the local Russian label for an r-hFSH:r-hLH 2:1 combination, 105 (21%) were treated according to other physician preference, and 17 (3.4%) met only the ESHRE Bologna criteria for a poor ovarian response. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was 30.4%. A total of 158/175 (90.3%) women achieving clinical pregnancy in the prospective study participated in the second (retrospective) study. The live birth rate per cycle was 25.8%. No new safety concerns were reported. These results support the use of the r-hFSH:r-hLH 2:1 combination in patients with a poor/suboptimal response to OS for ART treatment in the Russian Federation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Koloda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Centre of Reproduction "Life Line," 121471 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Vladislav Korsak
- International Centre for Reproductive Medicine (ICRM), Komendantskij prospect, 197350 St Petersburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Oleg Rozenson
- Biopharma, LCC Merck, Valovaya Str. 35, Moscow-115054, Russian Federation, an affiliate of Merck KGaA.
| | - Margarita Anshina
- IVF & Reproductive Genetics Center (FertiMed), Moscow, Moscow, 3 Park Str., 8/19 and 12, Russian Federation.
| | - Karina Sagamonova
- Human Reproduction and IVF Center, Rostov-on-Don, Bodraya ulitsa, 90, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Igor Baranov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology named after Academician V.I.Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4, Oparina Street, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997.
| | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Nagornaya st. 4A, Moscow, 117186, Russian Federation; Biophysics Department of Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, F135/002, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Anna Ershova
- Biopharma, LCC Merck, Valovaya Str. 35, Moscow-115054, Russian Federation, an affiliate of Merck KGaA.
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, F135/002, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi n. 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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22
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Lispi M, Cottell E, Michalet D, Araujo T, Gleixner R, D'Hooghe T. P-598 Dose accuracy of the follitropin-alfa, follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa and choriogonadotropin-alfa pen injectors used for fertility treatment. Hum Reprod 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac107.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Do the Merck family of fertility pen injectors (follitropin-alfa, follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa, choriogonadotropin-alfa) meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014) product-validation requirements?
Summary answer
Each presentation of the family of fertility pen injectors performed as per the state-of-the-art product-validation specifications for dose accuracy in ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014 under atmospheric conditions.
What is known already
Pen injectors for medically assisted reproduction must comply with ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014, which specifies essential performance requirements, including dose accuracy, and represent a benchmark for product reliability. Product-validation studies of the follitropin-alfa pen injector showed that three presentations (300 IU, 450 IU, and 900 IU) reliably dispensed accurate doses under a range of conditions, but no information was available for the follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa and choriogonadotropin-alfa pen injectors. This study was done to confirm that the incremental dose/clicks system was accurate for equivalence of volume (dose) delivered at standard atmospheric conditions for the complete Merck family of fertility pen injectors (follitropin-alfa, follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa, choriogonadotropin-alfa).
Study design, size, duration
Laboratory-based dose accuracy measurement testing was carried out under standard atmospheric conditions, as specified in ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014, between 2015 and 2020.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Set doses (Vset) for three dose dial settings (minimum dose [Vmin], midpoint dose [Vmid] and maximum dose [Vmax] [follitropin-alfa, choriogonadotropin-alfa, and follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa]) or a single Vset (choriogonadotropin-alfa) were assessed, as appropriate. The last dose administered by the multi-dose device and cartridge and total extractable dose were assessed on the 900 IU and 300 IU follitropin-alfa and the 900 IU/450IU and 300/150 IU follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa-pen presentations. Sixty measurements per assessment were made for each Vset.
Main results and the role of chance
Measurements were performed at two manufacturing sites. Dose accuracy tests for Vmin, Vmid and Vmax (dose dial settings of 12.5 IU, 87.5 IU and 150 IU, respectively, for the 150 IU pen [n = 2,226 (one site)]; dose dial settings of 12.5 IU, 162.5 IU and 300 IU, respectively, for the 300 IU pen [n = 742 per site]; and dose dial settings of 12.5 IU, 237.5 IU and 450 IU, respectively, for the 450 IU [n = 180 per site] and 900 IU pens [n = 410 per site]) for the follitropin-alfa and the follitropin-alfa/lutropin-alfa pen injectors were within the acceptable limits defined in ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014. The results of further assessments of last dose and total extracted volume for each presentation of these devices were also within acceptable limits. Dose accuracy tests for the single use/single dose device classification (D1) of the choriogonadotropin-alfa pen injector (n = 210 [one site]) showed that the Vset (6,500 IU) was within the acceptable limits according to ISO 11608-1:2000/2012/2014. Furthermore, dose accuracy tests for the single use/variable dose device classification (D2) of the choriogonadotropin-alfa pen injector (n = 180 [one site]) showed that the Vmin (260 IU), Vmid (3,380 IU) and Vmax (6,500 IU) values were also the within acceptable limits.
Limitations, reasons for caution
These assessments were carried out by laboratory scientists, who are not the intended users of the pen injectors, and were not delivered into human tissue; therefore, although these conditions meet the international standards, they do not reflect the real-world use of the pen injectors by patients.
Wider implications of the findings
The Merck family of fertility pen injectors functions reliably and the incremental dose/clicks system dispenses accurate doses, providing users with confidence that they can accurately administer the prescribed dose and minimize drug wastage outside of a clinic environment, which is more important than ever in light of the COVID pandemic.
Trial registration number
not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lispi
- Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA, Global Medical Affairs Fertility , Darmstadt, Germany
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine- Unit of Endocrinology , Modena MO, Italy
| | - E Cottell
- Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA, Global Medical Affairs Fertility , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - D Michalet
- Ares Trading an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, CHD Connected Health & Devices , Eysins, Switzerland
| | - T Araujo
- Ares Trading an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, CHD Connected Health & Devices , Aubonne, Switzerland
| | - R Gleixner
- Ares Trading an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Global Healthcare Operations , Aubonne, Switzerland
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA, Global Medical Affairs Fertility , Darmstadt, Germany
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration , Leuven, Belgium
- Yale University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Haven- CT , U.S.A
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23
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Nevelli F, Peroglio F, Gleixner R, Dadone A, Palmese A, Lispi M, D'Hooghe T, D’Acunto C. P-635 The impact of force-degraded variants of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH alfa) on in-vitro and in-vivo biological activity. Hum Reprod 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac107.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Can an in-vitro bioassay assess the potency of r-hFSH-alfa force-degraded variants with similar ability to the in-vivo rat bioassay described in EU Pharmacopoeia (EU-Pharm 2285)?
Summary answer
The in-vitro bioassay showed similar ability to the in-vivo bioassay for estimating the impact of r-hFSH-alfa variants, resulting from process-related modifications, on biological activity.
What is known already
The active ingredient of Gonal f® (Merck KGaA), follitropin-alfa (INN, r-hFSH-alfa), mimics the action of endogenous FSH by binding to, and subsequently activating, the hFSH-receptor (FSH-R), regulating cellular metabolism and oocyte survival/maturation. Structural modifications in r-hFSH-alfa glycosylation, oxidation, or other biochemical changes, may occur during the r-hFSH-alfa manufacturing process and may impact its efficacy/safety. The rat in-vivo bioassay (EU Pharmacopeia) is routinely used to assess r-hFSH-alfa potency by measuring ovarian weight increase. We evaluated whether an in-vitro bioassay has the same ability as the rat in-vivo bioassay to detect changes in biological activity caused by r-hFSH-alfa structural modifications.
Study design, size, duration
Three r-hFSH-alfa (Gonal f®) batches were stressed under eight chemical/physical/enzymatic treatments. The resulting degraded samples were compared with untreated samples using in-vivo and in-vitro bioassays.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Force-degraded r-hFSH-alfa variants were produced by chromatographic separation (acidic/basic enrichment), chemical/physical stress (acidic/basic pH incubation, thermal/oxidative stress) and enzymatic treatments (de-galactosylation and de-sialylation). r-hFSH-alfa potency was measured via a rat in-vivo bioassay (European Pharmacopoeia 2285), assessing ovarian weight increase, and an in-vitro bioassay (cell line expressing the transmembrane hFSH-R), assessing cell-specific metabolic cascade. Force-degraded and untreated samples were compared via analysis of variance.
Main results and the role of chance
All force-degraded samples were characterized by the chemical/physical analyses panel for quality control. r-hFSH-alfa forced degradation modified the critical quality attributes of the samples; namely, increased the presence of r-hFSH-alfa oxidized forms and/or free subunits up to 50% above product specification, and modified the sialic acid level across variants, generating significantly more hypo-sialylated forms when compared with the untreated control samples. The increase in r-hFSH-alfa free subunits significantly reduced r-h-FSH-alfa biological activity compared with untreated samples, in both the in-vivo and in-vitro assays (p < 0.001 for both). The increase in r-hFSH-alfa oxidized forms significantly reduced r-hFSH-alfa biological activity in-vitro (p <0.001) and, to a lesser extent, in-vivo (p <0.006).
A gradual decrease in r-hFSH-alfa sialylation decreased r-hFSH-alfa biological activity in-vivo, indicating a second-order polynomial correlation, and increased r-hFSH-alfa biological activity in-vitro, indicating a negative linear correlation (slope significance p<0.001, R2=0.996). De-sialylation reduces r-hFSH-alfa steric hindrance during the interaction of r-hFSH-alfa and the FSH-R, increasing both r-hFSH-alfa–FSH-R affinity and r-hFSH-alfa biological activity in-vitro, while increasing the rate of r-hFSH-alfa metabolism, resulting in decreased r-hFSH-alfa biological activity in-vivo. Both assays showed a similar ability to identify differences in critical quality attribute levels (sialylation, oxidation, free-subunits), with the intent to identify out-of-specification batches.
Limitations, reasons for caution
r-hFSH-alfa forced degradation produced more than one structural/chemical modification in most variants (except for de-sialylation); therefore, the effect of discrete modifications could not be studied. Additional studies are needed to show that in-vitro methods can ultimately replace in-vivo bioassays to identify differences in critical quality attribute levels during r-hFSH-alfa manufacturing.
Wider implications of the findings
Chemical and/or structural modifications of r-hFSH-alfa strongly impact r-hFSH-alfa biological activity and related potency. The development of an in-vitro bioassay for the accurate measurement of r-hFSH-alfa potency may serve to replace the in-vivo bioassay, according to EMA indications (CPMP/SWP728/95).
Trial registration number
not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nevelli
- RBM S.p.A. an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Bioassay Unit – Analytical Development Biotech , Ivrea, Italy
| | - F Peroglio
- RBM S.p.A. an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Biological Quality Control - Global Analytical Development , Ivrea, Italy
| | - R Gleixner
- Ares Trading an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, CMC-Leader Marketed Products - Global Healthcare Operations , Aubonne, Switzerland
| | - A Dadone
- RBM S.p.A. an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Bioassay Unit – Analytical Development Biotech , Ivrea, Italy
| | - A Palmese
- Merck Serono S.p.A. an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Characterization & Innovative Analytics Unit - Analytical Development Biotech , Rome, Italy
| | - M Lispi
- Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA, Global Medical Affairs Fertility , Darmstadt, Germany
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine CEM , Modena, Italy
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA, Global Medical Affairs Fertility , Darmstadt, Germany
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration , Leuven, Belgium
- Yale University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Haven- CT , U.S.A
| | - C.W D’Acunto
- Merck Serono S.p.A. an affiliate of Merck Healthcare- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Bioassay Unit – Analytical Development Biotech , Rome, Italy
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Choi BC, Zhou C, Ye H, Sun Y, Zhong Y, Gong F, Sini I, Abramova N, Longobardi S, Hickey M, D'Hooghe T. A comparative, observational study evaluating dosing characteristics and ovarian response using the recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone pen injector with small-dose dial in assisted reproductive technologies treatment in Asia: IMPROVE study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:15. [PMID: 35039049 PMCID: PMC8762890 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00882-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian stimulation during medically assisted reproduction treatment should be individualized to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. This study assessed whether use of the recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) pen injector allowing small 12.5 IU dose increments resulted in lower r-hFSH dose per oocyte retrieved in a subgroup of patients at risk of OHSS, compared with r-hFSH injection devices allowing only 37.5 IU increments. METHODS This multicenter, comparative, observational study evaluated patients from a prospective (study group) and historical (control group) cohort. The study group enrolled 1783 patients using the redesigned r-hFSH pen injector (GONAL-f®, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) from a prospective phase IV, non-interventional, open-label study, conducted in Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. The control group consisted of 1419 patients from a historical study using r-hFSH devices allowing 37.5 IU increments. In the study group, 397 patients were considered at risk of OHSS; this information was unavailable for the control group, so biomarkers and patient characteristics were used to match 123 patients from the study group and control group. Each center adhered to standard practice; starting dose and intra-cycle dose adjustments were allowed at any point. The primary endpoint, amount of r-hFSH (IU) administered per oocyte retrieved, was assessed in matched patients only. Additional outcomes and safety were assessed in the overall populations. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Mean (SD) total dose of r-hFSH administered per oocyte retrieved in patients at risk of OHSS, was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (132.5 [85.2] vs. 332.7 [371.6] IU, P < 0.0001, n = 123). Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rates in the overall study and control groups were 30.0 vs. 20.6%, 50.3 vs. 40.7%, and 43.8 vs. 34.0%, respectively. OHSS incidence was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (27/1783 [1.5%] vs. 57/1419 [4.0%] patients, P < 0.0001). AEs were reported by 5.0% of patients in the study group. CONCLUSIONS A significantly lower r-hFSH dose per oocyte retrieved and lower OHSS incidence were observed in patients using the redesigned injector compared with patients using other injection devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Canquan Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, GuangZhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Chongqing Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu Shi, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ivan Sini
- Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI), Morula IVF, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Miranda Hickey
- Merck Healthcare Pty. Ltd (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), NSW, Macquarie Park, Australia
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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25
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Hart RJ, D'Hooghe T, Dancet EAF, Aurell R, Lunenfeld B, Orvieto R, Pellicer A, Polyzos NP, Zheng W. Self-Monitoring of Urinary Hormones in Combination with Telemedicine - a Timely Review and Opinion Piece in Medically Assisted Reproduction. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:3147-3160. [PMID: 34780023 PMCID: PMC8592080 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cycle monitoring via ultrasound and serum-based hormonal assays during medically assisted reproduction (MAR) can provide information on ovarian response and assist in optimizing treatment strategies in addition to reducing complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Two surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020, including overall 24 fertility specialists from Europe, Asia and Latin America, confirmed that the majority of fertility practitioners routinely conduct hormone monitoring during MAR. However, blood tests may cause inconvenience to patients. The reported drawbacks of blood tests identified by the survey included the validity of results from different service providers, long waiting times and discomfort to patients due to travelling to clinics for tests and repeated venepunctures. Historically, urine-based assays were used by fertility specialists in clinics but were subsequently replaced by more practical and automated serum-based assays. A remote urine-based hormonal assay could be an alternative to current serum-based testing at clinics, reducing the inconvenience of blood tests and the frequency of appointments, waiting times and patient burden. Here we provide an overview of the current standard of care for cycle monitoring and review the literature to assess the correlation between urine-based hormonal assays and serum-based hormonal assays during MAR. In addition, in this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the introduction of remote urine-based hormonal monitoring as part of a novel digital health solution that includes remote ultrasound and tele-counselling to link clinics and patients at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia & Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Healthcare, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eline A F Dancet
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ramón Aurell
- IVF Unit, Fertility Campus Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Lunenfeld
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wenjing Zheng
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Healthcare, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Tomassetti C, Beukeleirs T, Conforti A, Debrock S, Peeraer K, Meuleman C, D'Hooghe T. The ultra-long study: a randomized controlled trial evaluating long-term GnRH downregulation prior to ART in women with endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2676-2686. [PMID: 34370858 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does ultra-long downregulation with a GnRH agonist (triptorelin depot) in previously operated patients with endometriosis improve the rate of clinical pregnancy with positive fetal heart beat (CPHB) in the subsequent initiated fresh ART cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER Ultra-long downregulation with a GnRH agonist prior to ART did not improve the rate of CPHB in the subsequent fresh ART cycle in previously completely operated patients but the trial was underpowered due to early termination. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Administration of GnRH agonists for a period of 3-6 months prior to ART in women with endometriosis may increase the odds of clinical pregnancy. However, the quality of the studies on which this statement is based is questionable, so these findings need confirmation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A controlled, randomized, open label trial was performed between 1 June 2013 and 31 December 2016 (start and end of recruitment, respectively). Patients with prior complete laparoscopic treatment of any type or stage of endometriosis and an indication for ART were randomized (by a computer-generated allocation sequence) into two groups: the control group underwent ART stimulation in a classical long agonist protocol using preparation with oral contraceptives, the ultra-long group first underwent at least 3 months downregulation followed by a long agonist protocol for ART stimulation. The sample size was calculated to detect a superiority of the ultra-long downregulation protocol, based on the hypothesis that baseline CPHB rate in the control group of 20% would increase to 40% in the ultra-long group. For a power of 20% at a significance level of 5%, based on two-sided testing, including 5% of patients lost to follow-up, the necessary sample size was 172 patients (86 per group). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This trial was conducted at the Leuven University Fertility Center, a tertiary care center for endometriosis and infertility, and a total of 42 patients were randomized (21 in the control group and 21 in the ultra-long group). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The primary outcome studied-CPHB after the initiated ART treatment-did not differ and was 25% (5/20) in the control group, and 20% (4/20) in the ultra-long group (P > 0.999; relative risk (RR) 1.25, 95% CI 0.41-3.88). Cumulative (fresh + associated frozen) CPHB rates were also similar in the control versus ultra-long group (8/20, 40% vs 6/20, 30%, P = 0.7411; RR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.57-3.19). When other secondary outcomes were compared with the ultra-long group, patients from the control group had a shorter duration of stimulation (mean 11.8 days (SD ± 2.4) versus 13.2 days (SD ± 1.5), P = 0.0373), a lower total dose of gonadotrophins used (mean 1793 IU/d (SD ± 787) vs 2329 (SD ± 680), P = 0.0154), and a higher serum estradiol concentration (ng/ml) at the end of ovarian stimulation on the day of ovulation triggering or cycle cancellation (mean1971 (SD ± 1495) vs 929 (± 548); P = 0.0326), suggesting a better ovarian response in the control group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to a strong patient preference, nearly exclusively against ultra-long downregulation (even though patients were thoroughly informed of the potential benefits), the targeted sample size could not be achieved and the trial was stopped prematurely. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Conditional power analysis revealed that the probability of confirming the study hypothesis if the study were completed would be low. We hypothesize that in patients with prior complete surgical treatment of endometriosis, the ultra-long protocol does not enhance ART-CPHB rates. Patient's concerns and preferences regarding possible side-effects, and delay of ART treatment start with the ultra-long protocol should be taken into account when considering this type of treatment in women with endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) C.T. was during 2 years funded by a grant from the Clinical research Foundation of UZ Leuven (KOF) and during 2 years by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO grant number: 1700816N). C.T. reports grants from Clinical Research Foundation of the University Hospitals of Leuven (KOF), grants from Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), during the conduct of the study; grants, non-financial support and other from Merck SA, non-financial support and other from Gedeon Richter, non-financial support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. T.D. is vice president and head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He is also a professor in Reproductive Medicine and Biology at the Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium and an adjunct professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of Yale, New Haven, USA. Neither his corporate role nor his academic roles represent a conflict of interest with respect to the work done by him for this study. A.C. reports personal fees from Merck S.p.A., outside the submitted work. The other co-authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER UZ Leuven trial registry SS55300, EudraCT number 2013-000993-32, clinicaltrials.gov NCT02400801. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE Registration for EudraCT on 1 March 2013. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 4 September 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tomassetti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Beukeleirs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - S Debrock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Peeraer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Meuleman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Velthuis E, Hubbard J, Longobardi S, D'Hooghe T. Correction to: The Frequency of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Thromboembolism with Originator Recombinant Human Follitropin Alfa (GONAL-f) for Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Systematic Review. Adv Ther 2021; 38:4602. [PMID: 34279808 PMCID: PMC8342327 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Global Development and Medical, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | | | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, USA
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28
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Conforti A, Esteves SC, Humaidan P, Longobardi S, D'Hooghe T, Orvieto R, Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Zullo F, Alviggi C. Recombinant human luteinizing hormone co-treatment in ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology in women of advanced reproductive age: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:91. [PMID: 34154604 PMCID: PMC8215738 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several studies suggest that luteinizing hormone (LH) could improve IVF outcome in women of advanced reproductive age by optimizing androgen production. In this review, we assessed the role of recombinant-human LH (r-hLH) and recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) co-treatment in ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology in women of advanced reproductive age candidates for assisted reproduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a preregistered protocol we systematically searched Medline/PubMed, Scopus and the ISI Web of Science databases to identify randomized controlled trials in which r-hFSH monotherapy protocols were compared with r-hFSH/r-hLH co-treatment in women ≥35 years undergoing fresh IVF cycles. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and the weight mean difference (WMD) for continuous data with an associated 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analyses were conducted using the random-effect model. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Subgroup analyses of all primary and secondary outcomes were performed only in women aged 35-40 years. RESULTS Twelve studies were identified. In women aged between 35 and 40 years, r-hFSH/r-hLH co-treatment was associated with higher clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.45, CI 95% 1.05-2.00, I2 = 0%, P = 0.03) and implantation rates (OR 1.49, CI 95% 1.10-2.01, I2 = 13%, P = 0.01) versus r-hFSH monotherapy. Fewer oocytes were retrieved in r-hFSH/r-hLH-treated patients than in r-hFSH-treated patients both in women aged ≥35 years (WMD -0.82 CI 95% -1.40 to - 0.24, I2 = 88%, P = 0.005) and in those aged between 35 and 40 years (WMD -1.03, CI - 1.89 to - 0.17, I2 = 0%, P = 0.02). The number of metaphase II oocytes, miscarriage rates and live birth rates did not differ between the two groups of women overall or in subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION Although more oocytes were retrieved in patients who underwent r-hFSH monotherapy, this meta-analysis suggests that r-hFSH/r-hLH co-treatment improves clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in women between 35 and 40 years of age undergoing ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction technology. However, more RCTs using narrower age ranges in advanced age women are warranted to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Merck, Leuven, Belgium
- KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - 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
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.EN.E.R.A. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.EN.E.R.A. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.EN.E.R.A. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.EN.E.R.A. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Zullo
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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29
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Bühler KF, Fischer R, Verpillat P, Allignol A, Guedes S, Boutmy E, Bilger W, Richter E, D'Hooghe T. Comparative effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa) versus highly purified urinary human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG HP) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments: a non-interventional study in Germany. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 34134695 PMCID: PMC8207759 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00768-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study compared the effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa; GONAL-f®) with urinary highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG HP; Menogon HP®), during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in Germany. METHODS Data were collected from 71 German fertility centres between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2012, for women undergoing a first stimulation cycle of ART treatment with r-hFSH-alfa or hMG HP. Primary outcomes were live birth, ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy, based on cumulative data (fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers), analysed per patient (pP), per complete cycle (pCC) and per first complete cycle (pFC). Secondary outcomes were pregnancy loss (analysed per clinical pregnancy), cancelled cycles (analysed pCC), total drug usage per oocyte retrieved and time-to-live birth (TTLB; per calendar week and per cycle). RESULTS Twenty-eight thousand six hundred forty-one women initiated a first treatment cycle (r-hFSH-alfa: 17,725 [61.9%]; hMG HP: 10,916 [38.1%]). After adjustment for confounding variables, treatment with r-hFSH-alfa versus hMG HP was associated with a significantly higher probability of live birth (hazard ratio [HR]-pP [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.10 [1.04, 1.16]; HR-pCC [95% CI]: 1.13 [1.08, 1.19]; relative risk [RR]-pFC [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.05, 1.15], ongoing pregnancy (HR-pP [95% CI]: 1.10 [1.04, 1.16]; HR-pCC [95% CI]: 1.13 [1.08, 1.19]; RR-pFC [95% CI]: 1.10 [1.05, 1.15]) and clinical pregnancy (HR-pP [95% CI]: 1.10 [1.05, 1.14]; HR-pCC [95% CI]: 1.14 [1.10, 1.19]; RR-pFC [95% CI]: 1.10 [1.06, 1.14]). Women treated with r-hFSH-alfa versus hMG HP had no statistically significant difference in pregnancy loss (HR [95% CI]: 1.07 [0.98, 1.17], were less likely to have a cycle cancellation (HR [95% CI]: 0.91 [0.84, 0.99]) and had no statistically significant difference in TTLB when measured in weeks (HR [95% CI]: 1.02 [0.97, 1.07]; p = 0.548); however, r-hFSH-alfa was associated with a significantly shorter TTLB when measured in cycles versus hMG HP (HR [95% CI]: 1.07 [1.02, 1.13]; p = 0.003). There was an average of 47% less drug used per oocyte retrieved with r-hFSH-alfa versus hMG HP. CONCLUSIONS This large (> 28,000 women), real-world study demonstrated significantly higher rates of cumulative live birth, cumulative ongoing pregnancy and cumulative clinical pregnancy with r-hFSH-alfa versus hMG HP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus F Bühler
- Department of Gynaecology, Jena-University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, 07737, Jena, Germany
- Scientific-Clinical Centre for Endometriosis of the University Hospitals of Saarland, 66121, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Robert Fischer
- Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Centre Hamburg, 20095, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Arthur Allignol
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sandra Guedes
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Boutmy
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Wilma Bilger
- Medical Affairs Fertility, Endocrinology and General Medicine, Merck Serono GmbH, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Alsfelder Str. 17, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Emilia Richter
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Oude Markt 13, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Dell'Aversana C, Cuomo F, Longobardi S, D'Hooghe T, Caprio F, Franci G, Santonastaso M, Colacurci N, Barone S, Pisaturo V, Valerio D, Altucci L. Age-related miRNome landscape of cumulus oophorus cells during controlled ovarian stimulation protocols in IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1310-1325. [PMID: 33454781 PMCID: PMC8058597 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern of cumulus oophorus cells (COCs) in women undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) procedures differentially modulated according to patient age and gonadotropin treatment strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal age is an independent factor impacting miRNA expression in COCs while gonadotropin treatment may affect follicular miRNA expression and IVF efficacy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epigenetic mechanisms in female infertility are complex and poorly studied. DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNAs and nucleosome positioning influence cellular machinery through positive and negative feedback mechanisms either alone or interactively. miRNAs are important regulators during oogenesis, spermatogenesis and early embryogenesis, and are reported to play a role in regulating crosstalk between the oocyte and COCs. Although miRNome analysis has been performed in female human reproductive tissues (endometrium, myometrium, cervix and ovaries), epigenetic modifications in women with infertility have not been explored in detail. In addition, the impact of gonadotropin treatments during MAR on miRNA expression in COCs has not been fully investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was carried out in 53 COC samples obtained from mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes in 53 women undergoing MAR treatment. A total of 38 samples for assay development were pooled by maternal age and gonadotropin treatment into four predetermined subgroups: ≥36 years and recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH), n = 10; ≥36 years and r-hFSH+ recombinant human-luteinizing hormone (r-hLH), n = 10; ≤35 years and r-hFSH, n = 9; ≤35 years and r-hFSH+r-hLH, n = 9. miRNome profiles were determined and compared between subgroups. Expression of defined miRNAs was validated in the remaining fifteen samples, representative of each subgroup, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS COCs were processed for miRNA-enriched total RNA extraction and pooled in homogeneous subgroups to obtain a sufficient amount and quality of starting material to perform the analysis. Each pooled sample underwent miRNA profiling using PCR assay system to examine expression of 752 human miRNAs without pre-amplification. Data were analyzed using the delta-delta Ct method for relative quantitation and prediction of target genes (with at least four algorithms predicting the same miRNA-gene interaction pair (HIT)>4). The miRSystem database provided functional annotation enrichment (raw P-value <0.05) of co-expressed miRNAs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found distinctive miRNA expression profiles in each subgroup correlating with age and MAR stimulation. In addition, a number of selective and co-expressed miRNAs were revealed by comparative analysis. A cluster of 37 miRNAs were commonly but differentially expressed in all four pools. Significant differences were observed in expression regulation of 37 miRNAs between age groups (≤35 or ≥36) in women receiving r-hFSH+r-hLH compared to those receiving r-hFSH alone. Higher concentrations and increased numbers of miRNAs were recorded in younger than in older patients, regardless of treatment. Functional and expression studies performed to retrieve common miRNome profiles revealed an enrichment of biological functions in oocyte growth and maturation, embryo development, steroidogenesis, ovarian hyperstimulation, apoptosis and cell survival, glucagon and lipid metabolism, and cell trafficking. The highest scored pathways of target genes of the 37 common miRNAs were associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, G alpha signaling, transcription regulation, tight junctions, RNA polymerase I and III, and mitochondrial transcription. We identified a potential age- and MAR stimulation-dependent signature in the miRNA landscape of COCs. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot rule out the possibility that other unknown individual genetic or clinical factors may have interfered with the reported results. Since miRNA profiling was conducted with a predefined array of target probes, other miRNA molecules, potentially modulated by age and hormonal stimulation, may have been missed in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS miRNA expression in COCs is modulated by gonadotropin treatment and correlates strongly with age. A better understanding of the expression patterns and functions of miRNAs may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat ovarian dysfunction and improve fertility in older women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All authors declared no competing interest, except SL and TD who are fully employed by Merck KGaA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dell'Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore' (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - F Cuomo
- EPI-C S.r.l., Naples 80138, Italy
| | | | | | - F Caprio
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - G Franci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "ScuolaMedicaSalernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA 84081, Italy
| | - M Santonastaso
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - N Colacurci
- Outpatient Fertility Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy.,Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
| | - S Barone
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Lucca 55049, Italy
| | - V Pisaturo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa 16122, Italy
| | - D Valerio
- Merck Serono S.p.A, Rome 00176, Italy.,Institute of Genetic Research (IRG), Naples 80143, Italy
| | - L Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples 80138, Italy
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Tomassetti C, Bafort C, Vanhie A, Meuleman C, Fieuws S, Welkenhuysen M, Timmerman D, Van Schoubroeck D, D'Hooghe T. Estimation of the Endometriosis Fertility Index prior to operative laparoscopy. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:636-646. [PMID: 33367865 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) be estimated accurately before surgery? SUMMARY ANSWER The EFI can be estimated accurately based on mere clinical/ultrasound information, with some improvement after adding data from diagnostic laparoscopy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The EFI is a validated clinical instrument predicting the probability of pregnancy after endometriosis surgery without the use of ART. Being an end-of-surgery-score, it implies the decision for operative laparoscopy to be made in advance-hence, its role in the pre-surgical decision-making process remains to be established. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Single-cohort prospective observational study in 82 patients undergoing complete endometriosis excision (between June and December 2016). Two methods were used to estimate the final EFI: type A based on non-surgical clinical/ultrasound findings only, and type B based on the combination of non-surgical clinical/ultrasound findings and diagnostic laparoscopy data. To calculate EFI type A, an algorithm was created to translate non-surgical clinical/imaging information into rASRM (revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine)-and EFI points. EFI type A and type B estimates were assessed for their clinical and numerical agreement with the final EFI score. Agreement was defined as clinical if EFI scores were within the same range (0-4, 5-6, 7-10), and numerical if their difference was ≤1. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All 82 patients underwent complete laparoscopic CO2-laser excision of any rASRM stage of endometriosis in the Leuven University Fertility Centre (LUFC) of University Hospitals Leuven, a tertiary referral centre for both endometriosis and infertility. An anonymized clinical research file was created. For each patient, three different data sets were created, in order to allow the estimation of the (surgical part) EFI and of the rASRM scores, defined as follows: 'Estimated type A' contained only non-surgical clinical/imaging data, 'Estimated type B' included type A information plus the information of the diagnostic laparoscopy and 'Final EFI' included information of type A, type B and all intra-operative information required to calculate the final EFI. To calculate EFI type A without surgical information, a set of rules was used to translate pre-surgical clinical/imaging information into (rASRM and EFI points). Scoring was done by one person (C.T.), with a time interval of 4 weeks between sessions for each EFI type. Next to the EFI, also rASRM score and stage were calculated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Agreement rate between estimated EFI type A and final EFI was high for both the clinical (0.915; 95% CI 0.832-0.965) and numerical definition (0.878; 95% CI 0.787-0.940). Agreement rates between estimated EFI type B and final EFI were even higher (clinical (0.988; 95% CI 0.934-1.000), numerical (0.963; 95% CI 0.897-0.992)). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Type A estimation is dependent on high-level gynaecological ultrasound expertise, which may not be available in all clinics. A small number of patients had no prior clinical, ultrasound (hard markers) or surgical confirmation of the diagnosis of endometriosis. When applying the estimated EFI type A in clinical practice, a priori assumptions of the presence or absence of endometriosis will need to be made in adjunct to the estimation of the estimated type A EFI when counselling patients on the potential benefit of an (at least diagnostic) laparoscopy. The level of agreement for type A or B should also be taken into account when counselling patients on the type of efforts undertaken to attempt to diagnose or rule out endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As this study reports, the EFI can be estimated accurately based on clinical/ultrasound data only without the need for any surgical data. This means that the EFI could be used as an instrument to guide joint physician-patient decision-making between surgery, ART or other fertility management options for the individualized treatment of women with endometriosis-related infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) During this study period, C.T. was supported by FWO (Research Fund Flanders, Grant number 1700816N) and UZ Leuven KOF (University Hospitals Leuven, Klinisch Onderzoeksfonds).The LUFC received unrestricted research grants from Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck SA. Gedeon Richter and MSD sponsored travel to and attendance at scientific meetings. C.M. received consultancy fees from Lumenis (paid to KU Leuven, no private revenue). T.D. has been vice-president and head of global medical affairs infertility for the multinational pharmaceutical company Merck (Darmstadt, Germany) since 1 October 2015. He continues his academic appointment on a part-time basis as Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven). T.D. has been vice-president and head of global medical affairs infertility for the multinational pharmaceutical company Merck (Darmstadt, Germany) since October 2015. He is also a Guest Professor in Reproductive Medicine and Biology at the Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium, and an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of Yale, New Haven, USA. This work was initiated before he joined Merck KGaA in October 2015, and completed during the subsequent years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER study registration number at UZ Leuven Clinical Trial Centre: S59221.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tomassetti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - C Bafort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - A Vanhie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - C Meuleman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - S Fieuws
- Department of Public Health, Interuniversity Centre for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - M Welkenhuysen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - D Timmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - D Van Schoubroeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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Bosch E, Alviggi C, Lispi M, Conforti A, Hanyaloglu AC, Chuderland D, Simoni M, Raine-Fenning N, Crépieux P, Kol S, Rochira V, D'Hooghe T, Humaidan P. Reduced FSH and LH action: implications for medically assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1469-1480. [PMID: 33792685 PMCID: PMC8129594 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play complementary roles in follicle development and ovulation via a complex interaction in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, reproductive organs, and oocytes. Impairment of the production or action of gonadotropins causes relative or absolute LH and FSH deficiency that compromises gametogenesis and gonadal steroid production, thereby reducing fertility. In women, LH and FSH deficiency is a spectrum of conditions with different functional or organic causes that are characterized by low or normal gonadotropin levels and low oestradiol levels. While the causes and effects of reduced LH and FSH production are very well known, the notion of reduced action has received less attention by researchers. Recent evidence shows that molecular characteristics, signalling as well as ageing, and some polymorphisms negatively affect gonadotropin action. These findings have important clinical implications, in particular for medically assisted reproduction in which diminished action determined by the afore-mentioned factors, combined with reduced endogenous gonadotropin production caused by GnRH analogue protocols, may lead to resistance to gonadotropins and, thus, to an unexpected hypo-response to ovarian stimulation. Indeed, the importance of LH and FSH action has been highlighted by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ICMART) in their definition of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as gonadal failure associated with reduced gametogenesis and gonadal steroid production due to reduced gonadotropin production or action. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of determinants of reduced FSH and LH action that are associated with a reduced response to ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - M Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - N Raine-Fenning
- Department of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - P Crépieux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRA 085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S Kol
- IVF Unit, Elisha Hospital, Haifa, Israel
| | - V Rochira
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, Modena, Italy
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - P Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lehert P, Arvis P, Avril C, Massin N, Parinaud J, Porcu G, Rongières C, Sagot P, Wainer R, D'Hooghe T. A large observational data study supporting the PROsPeR score classification in poor ovarian responders according to live birth outcome. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1600-1610. [PMID: 33860313 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the Poor Responder Outcome Prediction (PROsPeR) score identify live birth outcomes in subpopulations of patients with poor ovarian response (POR) defined according to the ESHRE Bologna criteria (female age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), number of oocytes retrieved during the previous cycle (PNO) after treatment with originator recombinant human follitropin alfa? SUMMARY ANSWER The PROsPeR score discriminated the probability of live birth in patients with POR using observational data with fair discrimination (AUC ≅ 70%) and calibration, and the AUC losing less than 5% precision compared with a model developed using the observational data. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although scoring systems for the likelihood of live birth after ART have been developed, their accuracy may be insufficient, as they have generally been developed in the general population with infertility and were not validated for patients with POR. The PROsPeR score was developed using data from the follitropin alfa (GONAL-f; Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) arm of the Efficacy and Safety of Pergoveris in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ESPART) randomized controlled trial (RCT) and classifies women with POR as mild, moderate or severe, based upon three variables: female age, serum AMH level and number of oocytes retrieved during the previous cycle (PNO). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The external validation of the PROsPeR score was completed using data derived from eight different centres in France. In addition, the follitropin alfa data from the ESPART RCT, originally used to develop the PROsPeR score, were used as reference cohort. The external validation of the PROsPeR score l was assessed using AUC. A predetermined non-inferiority limit of 0.10 compared with a reference sample and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) were the two conditions required for evaluation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The observational cohort included data from 8085 ART treatment cycles performed with follitropin alfa in patients with POR defined according to the ESHRE Bologna criteria (17.6% of the initial data set). The ESPART cohort included 477 ART treatment cycles with ovarian stimulation performed with follitropin alfa in patients with POR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The external validation of the PROsPeR score to identify subpopulations of women with POR with different live birth outcomes was shown in the observational cohort (AUC = 0.688; 95% CI: 0.662, 0.714) compared with the ESPART cohort (AUC = 0.695; 95% CI: 0.623, 0.767). The AUC difference was -0.0074 (95% CI: -0.083, 0.0689). This provided evidence, with 97.5% one-sided confidence, that there was a maximum estimated loss of 8.4% in discrimination between the observational cohort and the ESPART cohort, which was below the predetermined margin of 10%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test did not reject the calibration when comparing observed and predicted data (Hosmer-Lemeshow test = 1.266688; P = 0.260). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was based on secondary use of data that had not been collected specifically for the analysis reported here and the number of characteristics used to classify women with POR was limited to the available data. The data were from a limited number of ART centres in a single country, which may present a bias risk; however, baseline patient data were similar to other POR studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This evaluation of the PROsPeR score using observational data supports the notion that the likelihood of live birth may be calculated with reasonable precision using three readily available pieces of data (female age, serum AMH and PNO). The PROsPeR score has potential to be used to discriminate expected probability of live birth according to the degree of POR (mild, moderate, severe) after treatment with follitropin alfa, enabling comparison of performance at one centre over time and the comparison between centres. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This analysis was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. P.L. received grants from Merck KGaA, outside of the submitted work. N.M. reports grants, personal fees and non-financial support from Merck KGaA outside the submitted work. T.D.H. is Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. P.A. has received personal fees from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, outside the submitted work. C.R. has received grants and personal fees from Gedeon Richter and Merck Serono S.A.S., France, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, outside the submitted work. P.S. reports congress support from Merck Serono S.A.S., France (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Gedeon Richter, TEVA and MDS outside the submitted work. C.A., J.P., G.P. and R.W. declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lehert
- Faculty of Medicine, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Economics, Louvain University, Louvain, Belgium
| | | | - C Avril
- Clinique Mathilde, 76100 Rouen, France
| | - N Massin
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Creteil, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - J Parinaud
- Hôpital Paule de Viguier, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - G Porcu
- IMR, 13008 Marseille, France
| | | | - P Sagot
- CHU Dijon, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - R Wainer
- Centre Hospitalier de Poissy, 78303 Poissy, France
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Fatemi H, Bilger W, Denis D, Griesinger G, La Marca A, Longobardi S, Mahony M, Yin X, D'Hooghe T. Dose adjustment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during ovarian stimulation as part of medically-assisted reproduction in clinical studies: a systematic review covering 10 years (2007-2017). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:68. [PMID: 33975610 PMCID: PMC8112039 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individualization of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) starting dose is considered standard clinical practice during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Furthermore, the gonadotropin dose is regularly adjusted during COS to avoid hyper- or hypo-ovarian response, but limited data are currently available to characterize such adjustments. This review describes the frequency and direction (increase/decrease) of recombinant-human FSH (r-hFSH) dose adjustment reported in clinical trials. METHODS We evaluated the proportion of patients undergoing ART treatment who received ≥ 1 r-hFSH dose adjustments. The inclusion criteria included studies (published Sept 2007 to Sept 2017) in women receiving ART treatment that allowed dose adjustment within the study protocol and that reported ≥ 1 dose adjustments of r-hFSH; studies not allowing/reporting dose adjustment were excluded. Data on study design, dose adjustment and patient characteristics were extracted. Point-incidence estimates were calculated per study and overall based on pooled number of cycles with dose adjustment across studies. The Clopper-Pearson method was used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incidence where adjustment occurred in < 10% of patients; otherwise, a normal approximation method was used. RESULTS Initially, 1409 publications were identified, of which 318 were excluded during initial screening and 1073 were excluded after full text review for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies (6630 cycles) reported dose adjustment: 5/18 studies (1359 cycles) reported data for an unspecified dose adjustment (direction not defined), in 10/18 studies (3952 cycles) dose increases were reported, and in 11/18 studies (5123 cycles) dose decreases were reported. The studies were performed in women with poor, normal and high response, with one study reporting in oocyte donors and one in obese women. The median day that dose adjustment was permitted was Day 6 after the start of treatment. The point estimates for incidence (95% CI) for unspecified dose adjustment, dose increases, and dose decreases were 45.3% (42.7, 48.0), 19.2% (18.0, 20.5), and 9.5% (8.7, 10.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights that, in studies in which dose adjustment was allowed and reported, the estimated incidence of r-hFSH dose adjustments during ovarian stimulation was up to 45%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Human Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi & Dubai and Muscat Royal Marina Village, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wilma Bilger
- Medical Affairs Fertility, Endocrinology & General Medicine, Merck Serono GmbH (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Deborah Denis
- Global Clinical Development, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Materno-Infantili e dell'Adulto, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), 00176, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Mahony
- Medical Affairs - Endocrinology/Reproductive Health, EMD Serono, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Rockland, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Yin
- Research & Development, EMD Serono, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Saunders H, Khan C, D'Hooghe T, Magnúsdóttir TB, Klingmann I, Hrafnsdóttir S. Efficacy, safety and tolerability of progesterone vaginal pessaries versus progesterone vaginal gel for luteal phase support after in vitro fertilisation: a randomised controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:355-363. [PMID: 32074281 PMCID: PMC7048710 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are progesterone vaginal pessaries 400 mg twice a day (bid) non-inferior to progesterone vaginal gel (90 mg) once a day (od) in the primary endpoint of clinical pregnancy rate after 38 days of luteal phase support in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF)? SUMMARY ANSWER Non-inferiority of progesterone vaginal pessaries 400 mg bid to progesterone 8% vaginal gel (90 mg od) was shown for clinical pregnancy rate after 38 days of luteal phase support. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY To maximise successful embryo transfer after IVF, additionally administered progesterone is used for proper endometrium transformation in the luteal phase. Vaginally administered progesterone results in adequate secretory transformation of the endometrium. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This multicentre, multinational, open, randomised, two-parallel group, non-inferiority Phase 3 clinical trial was carried out at 17 study sites in five European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Serbia) between October 2013 and August 2014. An interactive web response system (IWRS) was implemented for treatment allocation at the sites. Power analysis, based on the assumptions of a non-inferiority margin of −9%, a significance level of α 2.5% (one-sided), power 90%, at a reference pregnancy rate for the progesterone vaginal gel group of 30%, as well as applying a dropout rate of 10%, yielded a total number of 766 patients to be randomised. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged between 18 and 40 years with a clinical indication for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer were eligible to participate. The clinical pregnancy rate was assessed by fetal heart movement measured by transvaginal ultrasound at day 38 (D38) (primary endpoint) and D70. Also assessed were biochemical pregnancy rate (assessed by serum β-hCG ≥25 IU/L), clinical implantation rates at D38, patient evaluation of vaginal bleeding and discharge (assessed by diary) and adverse event (AE) incidence, severity and relationship to study medication. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 769 female patients were randomised to progesterone 400 mg vaginal pessaries bid (n = 385, 50.1%) or progesterone 90 mg vaginal gel od (n = 384, 49.9%). Patients receiving progesterone vaginal pessaries and progesterone vaginal gel were comparable in demographics, baseline characteristics and number of retrieved oocytes. In the full analysis set (FAS; n = 369 progesterone vaginal pessaries and n = 368 progesterone vaginal gel), clinical pregnancy rates on D38 were 38.3% for progesterone vaginal pessaries and 39.9% for progesterone vaginal gel. In the per protocol analysis set (PP; n = 357 progesterone vaginal pessaries and n = 356 progesterone vaginal gel), clinical pregnancy rates on D38 were 38.1% for progesterone vaginal pessaries and 40.4% for progesterone vaginal gel. For the differences in pregnancy rates between the progesterone vaginal pessaries group and the progesterone vaginal gel, the lower limit of the 97.5% CI was −8.6 and −9.5% for the FAS and PP datasets, respectively. The original prespecified non-inferiority margin of −9% was thus met in the FAS dataset but was marginally below this in the PP dataset. However, the pregnancy rate of the comparator was higher than the anticipated rate of 30%, and a predetermined logistic regression model including treatment group, country and age group effects without interaction terms showed non-inferiority of progesterone vaginal pessaries to progesterone vaginal gel for both the FAS and PP populations, in that the lower limits of the 95% CIs were above 0.7 for both analyses. As a result of this, the relevant authorities accepted to widen the acceptable non-inferiority margin to −10%, and as such both the FAS and PP populations succeeded in showing non-inferiority. Biochemical pregnancy and clinical implantation rates were comparable for both treatments. Both treatment groups showed similar high compliance throughout the study, and the safety profiles were also comparable between the groups. Drug-related AEs occurred with frequencies of 15.1% with progesterone vaginal pessaries and 14.4% with progesterone vaginal gel. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Clinical pregnancy rate is a surrogate for the outcome of live birth rate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Progesterone 400 mg pessaries bid for luteal phase support is an effective, safe and tolerable treatment option for women undergoing IVF during ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by Actavis Group PTC ehf., Iceland, part of Teva Pharmaceuticals, and by L.D. Collins & Co. Ltd. Gedeon Richter plc has recently entered into a license and distribution agreement to commercialise the vaginal pessaries in the European Union (except Ireland/UK). The progesterone vaginal pessaries studied are now marketed as Cyclogest®, Amelgen®, Cyclovita®, Luteum and Cygest® throughout the EU, Asia and Middle East & North Africa. The competing interests are as follows. H.S.: employee of Gedeon Richter plc/PregLem S.A. C.K.: consultant to L.D. Collins & Co. Ltd and received consulting fees for work performed. T.D.H.: at the initiation and completion of this study, full professor at KU Leuven and Head of Leuven University Fertility Center at the University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. In October 2015, T.D.H. became vice president of Global Medical Affairs Fertility at the pharmaceutical company Merck—marketing authorisation holder of the Progesterone vaginal gel (Crinone®)—and has remained a part-time professor at KU Leuven (Belgium) and adjunct professor at Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA). T.B.M.: at the initiation and completion of this study, employee of Actavis Group PTC ehf. I.K.: consultant to Actavis, later TEVA and received consulting fees for work performed. S.H.: at the initiation and completion of this study, employee of Actavis Group PTC ehf. Trial registration number EudraCT number 2013-001105-81 Trial registration date 2 July 2013 Date of first patient’s enrolment 9 October 2013
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Saunders
- Medical Affairs, Gedeon Richter plc/PregLem S.A., 41A Route de Frontenex, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cass Khan
- Clinical Development, L.D. Collins & Co. Ltd, Breakspear Park, Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4TZ, UK
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thora Björg Magnúsdóttir
- Research and Development Actavis Group PTC ehf., Reykjavikurvegur 76-78, Hafnarfjordur 220, Iceland
| | - Ingrid Klingmann
- General Management, Pharmaplex bvba, Av St-Hubert 51, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium
| | - Sigrún Hrafnsdóttir
- Research and Development Actavis Group PTC ehf., Reykjavikurvegur 76-78, Hafnarfjordur 220, Iceland
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Sunkara SK, Zheng W, D'Hooghe T, Longobardi S, Boivin J. Time as an outcome measure in fertility-related clinical studies: long-awaited. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1732-1739. [PMID: 32644107 PMCID: PMC7398622 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Time taken to achieve a live birth is an important consideration that is central to managing patient expectations during infertility treatment. However, time-related endpoints are not reported as standard in the majority of fertility-related clinical studies and there is no internationally recognized consensus definition for such endpoints. There is, therefore, a need for meaningful discussions around the selection of appropriate time-related treatment outcome measures for studies evaluating fertility treatments that will be relevant to diverse stakeholders (e.g. patients, healthcare professionals, clinical scientists, authorities and industry). Here, we provide a proposal for the evaluation of time-related outcome measures in fertility-related clinical studies, alongside associated definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sesh K Sunkara
- Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Wenjing Zheng
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A, Rome, Italy, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jacky Boivin
- School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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37
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D'Hooghe T. Editorial. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2021; 85:451-453. [PMID: 33857947 DOI: 10.1159/000515498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D'Hooghe
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research, and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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38
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Chua SJ, Mol BW, Longobardi S, Orvieto R, Venetis CA, Lispi M, Storr A, D'Hooghe T. Biosimilar recombinant follitropin alfa preparations versus the reference product (Gonal-F®) in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:51. [PMID: 33794909 PMCID: PMC8017804 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00727-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Live birth has increasingly been identified as the standard clinical approach to measure the success of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, previous analyses comparing biosimilar preparations of follitropin alfa versus the reference product (GONAL-f®, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or GONAL-f® RFF; EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA), have had insufficient power to detect differences in clinically meaningful outcomes such as live birth. METHODS Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and clinical trial registries were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and conference abstracts comparing biosimilar follitropin alfa versus the reference product in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles published before 31 October 2020. Only studies in humans and publications in English were included. Retrieved studies were screened independently by two authors based on titles and abstracts, and then by full text. INCLUSION CRITERIA RCTs comparing follitropin alfa biosimilar preparations with the reference product in infertile patients of any age, with any type of infertility for any duration, undergoing COS for the purposes of MAR treatment (including frozen cycles). The primary outcome was live birth. Combined data for biosimilar preparations were analysed using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS From 292 unique records identified, 17 studies were included in the systematic review, representing five unique RCTs that were included in the meta-analysis. Rates of live birth (RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.97; 4 RCTs, n = 1881, I2 = 0%), clinical pregnancy (RR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72, 0.94; 4 RCTs, n = 2222, I2 = 0%) and ongoing pregnancy (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.68, 0.96; 4 RCTs, n = 1232, I2 = 0%) were significantly lower with biosimilar preparations versus the reference product. Rates of cumulative live birth and cumulative clinical pregnancy were also significantly lower with biosimilars versus the reference product. There was high risk of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis included data from RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of the biosimilar follitropin alfa preparations and demonstrated lower probability of live birth and pregnancy (ongoing and clinical) in couples treated with biosimilar preparations compared with the reference product. This study provides more insight into the differences between biosimilar r-hFSH preparations and the reference product than previously reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number: CRD42019121992 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jen Chua
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Monash, Monash, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt 64293, Germany), 00176, Rome, Italy
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 52621, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6997801, Israel
| | - Christos A Venetis
- School of Women's and Children's Health & Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Clayton, Victoria, 2052, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Monica Lispi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, MO, 41121, Italy
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, F135/002, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Ashleigh Storr
- Flinders Fertility, Adelaide, South Australia, 5045, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, F135/002, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Coticchio G, Behr B, Campbell A, Meseguer M, Morbeck DE, Pisaturo V, Plancha CE, Sakkas D, Xu Y, D'Hooghe T, Cottell E, Lundin K. Fertility technologies and how to optimize laboratory performance to support the shortening of time to birth of a healthy singleton: a Delphi consensus. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1021-1043. [PMID: 33599923 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore how the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories can be optimized and standardized to enhance embryo culture and selection, to bridge the gap between standard practice and the new concept of shortening time to healthy singleton birth. METHODS A Delphi consensus was conducted (January to July 2018) to assess how the ART laboratory could be optimized, in conjunction with existing guidelines, to reduce the time to a healthy singleton birth. Eight experts plus the coordinator discussed and refined statements proposed by the coordinator. The statements were distributed via an online survey to 29 participants (including the eight experts from step 1), who voted on their agreement/disagreement with each statement. Consensus was reached if ≥ 66% of participants agreed/disagreed with a statement. If consensus was not achieved for any statement, that statement was revised and the process repeated until consensus was achieved. Details of statements achieving consensus were communicated to the participants. RESULTS Consensus was achieved for all 13 statements, which underlined the need for professional guidelines and standardization of lab processes to increase laboratory competency and quality. The most important points identified were the improvement of embryo culture and embryo assessment to shorten time to live birth through the availability of more high-quality embryos, priority selection of the most viable embryos and improved cryosurvival. CONCLUSION The efficiency of the ART laboratory can be improved through professional guidelines on standardized practices and optimized embryo culture environment, assessment, selection and cryopreservation methodologies, thereby reducing the time to a healthy singleton delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Coticchio
- 9.baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante, 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barry Behr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dean E Morbeck
- Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Reproductive Medicine Department, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlos E Plancha
- Inst. Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa and CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelyn Cottell
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Hufnagel D, Goetz LG, Hu Z, Nyachieo A, D'Hooghe T, Fazleabas A, Duleba A, Krikun G, Taylor HS, Lockwood CJ. Corrigendum to "Icon immunoconjugate treatment results in regression of red lesions in a non-human primate (Papio anubis) model of endometriosis" [Reprod. Biol. 18 (2018) 109-114]. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:600. [PMID: 32900640 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Hufnagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura G Goetz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zhiwei Hu
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Atunga Nyachieo
- Department of Reproductive Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Antoni Duleba
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Graciela Krikun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Vanhie A, O D, Peterse D, Beckers A, Cuéllar A, Fassbender A, Meuleman C, Mestdagh P, D'Hooghe T. Plasma miRNAs as biomarkers for endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1650-1660. [PMID: 31411334 PMCID: PMC6736379 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can plasma miRNAs be used for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis in infertile women? SUMMARY ANSWER miRNA-based diagnostic models for endometriosis failed the test of independent validation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Circulating miRNAs have been described to be differentially expressed in patients with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis, suggesting that they could be used for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. However, these studies have shown limited consistency or conflicting results, and no miRNA-based diagnostic test has been validated in an independent patient cohort. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed genome-wide miRNA expression profiling by small RNA sequencing to identify a set of plasma miRNAs with discriminative potential between patients with and without endometriosis. Expression of this set of miRNAs was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Diagnostic models were built using multivariate logistic regression with stepwise feature selection. In a final step, the models were tested for validation in an independent patient cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Plasma of all patients was available in the biobank of the Leuven Endometriosis Centre of Excellence. Biomarker discovery and model development were performed in a discovery cohort of 120 patients (controls = 38, endometriosis = 82), and models were tested for validation in an independent cohort of 90 patients (controls = 30, endometriosis = 60). RNA was extracted with the miRNeasy Plasma Kit. Genome-wide miRNA expression analysis was done by small RNA sequencing using the NEBNext small RNA library prep kit and the NextSeq 500 System. cDNA synthesis and qPCR were performed using the Qiagen miScript technology. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified a set of 42 miRNAs with discriminative power between patients with and without endometriosis based on genome-wide miRNA expression profiling. Expression of 41 miRNAs was confirmed by RT-qPCR, and 3 diagnostic models were built. Only the model for minimal-mild endometriosis (Model 2: hsa-miR-125b-5p, hsa-miR-28-5p and hsa-miR-29a-3p) had diagnostic power above chance performance in the independent validation (AUC = 60%) with an acceptable sensitivity (78%) but poor specificity (37%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The diagnostic models were built and tested for validation in two patient cohorts from a single tertiary endometriosis centre. Further validation tests in large cohorts with patients from multiple endometriosis centres are needed. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS Our study supports a possible biological link between certain miRNAs and endometriosis, but the potential of these miRNAs as clinically useful biomarkers is questionable in women with infertility. Large studies in well-described patient cohorts, with rigorous methodology for miRNA expression analysis, sufficient statistical power and an independent validation step, are necessary to answer the question of whether miRNAs can be used as diagnostics markers for endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by a grant from the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO). A.V., D.F.O. and D.P. are PhD fellows from the FWO. T.D. is vice president and Head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He is also a professor in Reproductive Medicine and Biology at the Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium and an adjunct professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of Yale, New Haven, USA. Neither his corporate role nor his academic roles represent a conflict of interest with respect to the work done by him for this study. The other co-authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vanhie
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Endometriosis Center of Excellence, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D O
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Peterse
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - A Fassbender
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Meuleman
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Endometriosis Center of Excellence, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Mestdagh
- Biogazelle, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.,UGent, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent, Belgium.,UGent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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42
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Bielen D, Tomassetti C, Van Schoubroeck D, Vanbeckevoort D, De Wever L, Van den Bosch T, D'Hooghe T, Bourne T, D'Hoore A, Wolthuis A, Van Cleynenbreughel B, Meuleman C, Timmerman D. IDEAL study: magnetic resonance imaging for suspected deep endometriosis assessment prior to laparoscopy is as reliable as radiological imaging as a complement to transvaginal ultrasonography. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:255-266. [PMID: 31503381 DOI: 10.1002/uog.21868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the value of using one-stop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vs standard radiological imaging as a supplement to transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for the preoperative assessment of patients with endometriosis referred for surgery in a tertiary care academic center. METHODS This prospective observational study compared the diagnostic value of the standard preoperative imaging practice of our center, which involves expert TVS complemented by intravenous urography (IVU) for the evaluation of the ureters and double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) for the evaluation of the rectum, sigmoid and cecum, with that of expert TVS complemented by a 'one-stop' MRI examination evaluating the upper abdomen, pelvis, kidneys and ureters as well as rectum and sigmoid on the same day, for the preoperative triaging of 74 women with clinically suspected deep endometriosis. The findings at laparoscopy were considered the reference standard. Patients were stratified according to their need for monodisciplinary surgical approach, carried out by gynecologists only, or multidisciplinary surgical approach, involving abdominal surgeons and/or urologists, based on the extent to which endometriosis affected the reproductive organs, bowel, ureters, bladder or other abdominal organs. RESULTS Our standard preoperative imaging approach and the combined findings of TVS and MRI had similar diagnostic performance, resulting in correct stratification for a monodisciplinary or a multidisciplinary surgical approach of 67/74 (90.5%) patients. However, there were differences between the estimation of the severity of disease by DCBE and MRI. The severity of rectal involvement was underestimated in 2.7% of the patients by both TVS and DCBE, whereas it was overestimated in 6.8% of the patients by TVS and/or DCBE. CONCLUSIONS Complementary to expert TVS, 'one-stop' MRI can predict intraoperative findings equally well as standard radiological imaging (IVU and DCBE) in patients referred for endometriosis surgery in a tertiary care academic center. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bielen
- Department of Radiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Tomassetti
- Leuven University Fertility Center, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Van Schoubroeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Vanbeckevoort
- Department of Radiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L De Wever
- Department of Radiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Van den Bosch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Center, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - T Bourne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - A D'Hoore
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Wolthuis
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - C Meuleman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven University Endometriosis Center, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Timmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
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43
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D'Hooghe T, Fukaya T, Osuga Y, Besuyen R, López B, Holtkamp GM, Miyazaki K, Skillern L. Efficacy and safety of ASP1707 for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: the phase II randomized controlled TERRA study. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:813-823. [PMID: 31067329 PMCID: PMC6505452 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the GnRH antagonist, ASP1707, reduce endometriosis-associated pelvic pain? SUMMARY ANSWER ASP1707 significantly reduced endometriosis-associated pelvic pain in a dose-related manner WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY GnRH agonists are an effective therapeutic option for endometriosis that is refractory to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, and progestins. However, GnRH agonists cause complete suppression of estradiol (E2), resulting in hypoestrogenic side-effects such as bone loss that may increase the future risk of osteoporotic fractures. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a Phase II, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study conducted in 540 women from 04 December 2012 to 30 July 2015 in Europe and Japan. A sample size of 504 (84 subjects per group) was calculated to provide ≥80% power to detect a dose-related treatment effect among placebo and ASP1707 doses in change from baseline in pelvic pain, assuming different dose–response curves after 12 weeks of treatment. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Of 912 women with endometriosis-associated pelvic pain screened, 540 were enrolled, and 532 received ≥1 dose of study drug (placebo, n = 88; ASP1707 3 mg, n = 86; ASP1707 5 mg, n = 91; ASP1707 10 mg, n = 90; ASP1707 15 mg, n = 88; leuprorelin, n = 89) for 24 weeks. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After 12 weeks of treatment with ASP1707, the mean (95% CI) changes in numeric rating score (NRS) for overall pelvic pain (OPP) were −1.56 (−1.91, −1.21), −1.63 (−1.99, −1.27), −1.93 (−2.27, −1.60), −2.29 (−2.64, −1.94), and −2.13 (−2.47, −1.79) for placebo, ASP1707 3 mg, ASP1707 5 mg, ASP1707 10 mg, and ASP1707 15 mg, respectively. Mean (95% CI) changes in NRS for dysmenorrhea were −1.50 (−2.00, −1.00), −2.72 (−3.22, −2.21), −2.85 (−3.33, −2.38), −3.97 (−4.46, −3.48), and −4.18 (−4.66, −3.70), respectively. Mean (95% CI) changes in NRS for non-menstrual pelvic pain (NMPP) were −1.53 (−1.88, −1.19), −1.51 (−1.87, −1.16), −1.80 (−2.14, −1.47), −2.03 (−2.37, −1.68), and −1.86 (−2.20, −1.52), respectively. Statistically significant dose-related treatment effects in reduction in NRS for OPP (P = 0.001), dysmenorrhea (P < 0.001), and NMPP (P = 0.029) were observed after 12 weeks among ASP1707 doses and were maintained through 24 weeks. Serum estradiol and bone mineral density decreased dose dependently with ASP1707 through 24 weeks, however, to a lesser extent than with leuprorelin. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION This study was not powered for pairwise comparison of each ASP1707 group versus placebo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS All doses of ASP1707 reduced serum E2 levels to within the target range and to a lesser extent than leuprorelin. ASP1707 is a potential alternative treatment to leuprorelin for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain with lower impact on bone health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(s) This study was funded by Astellas Pharma Inc. T.D’.H is Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility at Merck, Darmstadt, Germany since October 1, 2015. At the time that the TERRA study was conducted, he served as Principal Investigator in his role as Coordinator of the Leuven University Fertility Center. Since October 2015, T.D’.H has left Leuven University Hospital Gasthuisberg, but continues to serve as Professor in Reproductive Medicine and Biology at KU Leuven (University of Leuven) Belgium and at the Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction at Yale University, New Haven, USA. T. Fukaya and Y. Osuga report personal consulting fees from Astellas Pharma Inc. during the conduct of the study and outside the submitted work. G.M. Holtkamp, and L. Skillern are employed by Astellas Pharma Europe B.V.; K. Miyazaki is employed by Astellas Pharma Inc.; B. López, was a biostatistician for Astellas Pharma Europe B.V. during conduct of the study; R. Besuyen was a contract Associate Director of Medical Science for Astellas during conduct of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01767090. EudraCT number 2012-002791-14. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 18 December 2012. DATE OF FIRST SUBJECT’S ENROLLMENT One subject signed informed consent on 04 December 2012; the first subject was randomized on 16 April 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D'Hooghe
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium.,Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Takao Fukaya
- Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robin Besuyen
- Astellas Pharma Europe B.V., Sylviusweg 62, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Beatriz López
- Astellas Pharma Europe B.V., Sylviusweg 62, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kentaro Miyazaki
- Astellas Pharma Inc., 2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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O D, Waelkens E, Vanhie A, Peterse D, Fassbender A, D'Hooghe T. The Use of Antibody Arrays in the Discovery of New Plasma Biomarkers for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:751-762. [PMID: 32016799 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00081-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A noninvasive diagnostic test for endometriosis is needed to shorten the current diagnostic delay of 8-11 years. The goal of this study was to discover new biomarkers for endometriosis using an antibody array approach. A total of 103 plasma samples from patients with laparoscopically confirmed presence (n = 68) or absence (n = 35) of endometriosis were selected. Samples were pooled according to disease status, cycle phase, disease stage, and phenotype. Pooled samples were screened for possible biomarkers using the L-series 1000 and Quantibody 660 arrays from RayBiotech. Technical verification of ten markers was done using a custom-made multiplex immunoassay identifying ten proteins (10-plex) and later by single ELISA. Due to the limited reproducibility of the L-series 1000 immunoassay, the biomarker screening was performed using the Quantibody 660, a sandwich-based multiplex immunoassay, which showed that 280 proteins were upregulated, and 29 proteins downregulated in the endometriosis pool versus the control pool. In order to assess the reproducibility of these results, ten preselected proteins were analyzed using a custom 10-plex. Four proteins (CD48, DNAM-1, IL-31, and XIAP) were confirmed to be differentially expressed when comparing the endometriosis and control pool. However, only IL-31 showed a univariate statistical difference between endometriosis and control groups in individual samples that were part of the initial pools. In conclusion, discovery and verification of potential markers proved challenging using multiplex immunoassay methods, mainly due to issues with reproducibility. Only IL-31 showed potential as possible biomarker for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien O
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Facility for systems biology based mass spectrometry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne Vanhie
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniëlle Peterse
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amelie Fassbender
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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45
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Tournaye H, D'Hooghe T, Verheyen G, Devreker KF, Perrier d'Hauterive S, Nisolle M, Foidart JM, Munaut C, Noel L. Clinical performance of a specific granulocyte colony stimulating factor ELISA to determine its concentration in follicular fluid as a predictor of implantation success during in vitro fertilization. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:44-48. [PMID: 31232110 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1631283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical performance of an ultra-sensitive follicular fluid (FF) granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) immunoassay to confirm previous work, indicating a correlation between FF G-CSF concentration and live birth potential of the corresponding embryo after in vitro fertilization. This study was a noninterventional, prospective, diagnostic clinical multicentric study conducted between August 2012 and January 2014 with 396 single embryo transfers (SETs) from 278 subjects. During oocyte retrieval, FF was individually collected. Embryo morphology and implantation success were evaluated. The implantation success rate in the high G-CSF group (32.3%) was higher than the overall rate (27.5%). Similarly, for embryos with optimal morphology, implantation success rates were highest among those in the high G-CSF concentration category (34.5%) compared with low (19.6%) and intermediate (29.8%) G-CSF concentration categories. Significant differences in mean G-CSF concentrations were observed between the study sites. To minimize bias, analyses were repeated using data from the center with the largest number of SETs. In alignment with the overall analysis, this center demonstrated a 43% greater probability of implantation for optimal embryos with high G-CSF compared to the general implantation rate among optimal embryos and a 327% increase compared with the implantation rate of optimal embryos with low G-CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Biopharma KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - G Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K F Devreker
- Research Laboratory for Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Perrier d'Hauterive
- Département of Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée de l'Université de Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - M Nisolle
- Département of Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée de l'Université de Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - J-M Foidart
- Département of Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée de l'Université de Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Munaut
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - L Noel
- Département of Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée de l'Université de Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
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46
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Lunenfeld B, Bilger W, Longobardi S, Kirsten J, D'Hooghe T, Sunkara SK. Decision points for individualized hormonal stimulation with recombinant gonadotropins for treatment of women with infertility. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:1027-1036. [PMID: 31392906 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1650345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential that fertility treatment is individualized based on a thorough diagnostic work-up, with treatment tailored to the patients' requirements. This individualization should be kept in mind during the main decision points that occur before and during treatment. Treatment customization must include consideration of both the woman and her partner involved in the process together, including their collective treatment goals. Once treatment goals have been agreed and diagnostic evaluations performed, personalization based on patient characteristics, together with an understanding of treatment goals and patient preferences, enables the selection of appropriate treatments, protocols, products and their dosing. Following treatment initiation, monitoring and adaptation of product and dose can then ensure optimal outcomes. Currently, it is not possible to base treatment decisions on every characteristic of the patient and personalization is based on biomarkers that have been identified as the most relevant. However, in the future, the use of artificial intelligence coupled with continuous monitoring should enable greater individualization and improve outcomes. This review considers the current state-of-the-art related to decision points during individualized treatment of female infertility, before looking at future developments that might further assist in making individualized treatment decisions, including the use of computer-assisted decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lunenfeld
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Wilma Bilger
- Medical Affairs Fertility, Endocrinology & General Medicine, Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jan Kirsten
- Business Franchise Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sesh K Sunkara
- Assisted Conception Unit, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Boretto M, Maenhoudt N, Luo X, Hennes A, Boeckx B, Bui B, Heremans R, Perneel L, Kobayashi H, Van Zundert I, Brems H, Cox B, Ferrante M, Uji-I H, Koh KP, D'Hooghe T, Vanhie A, Vergote I, Meuleman C, Tomassetti C, Lambrechts D, Vriens J, Timmerman D, Vankelecom H. Patient-derived organoids from endometrial disease capture clinical heterogeneity and are amenable to drug screening. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:1041-1051. [PMID: 31371824 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial disorders represent a major gynaecological burden. Current research models fail to recapitulate the nature and heterogeneity of these diseases, thereby hampering scientific and clinical progress. Here we developed long-term expandable organoids from a broad spectrum of endometrial pathologies. Organoids from endometriosis show disease-associated traits and cancer-linked mutations. Endometrial cancer-derived organoids accurately capture cancer subtypes, replicate the mutational landscape of the tumours and display patient-specific drug responses. Organoids were also established from precancerous pathologies encompassing endometrial hyperplasia and Lynch syndrome, and inherited gene mutations were maintained. Endometrial disease organoids reproduced the original lesion when transplanted in vivo. In summary, we developed multiple organoid models that capture endometrial disease diversity and will provide powerful research models and drug screening and discovery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Boretto
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Nina Maenhoudt
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xinlong Luo
- Stem Cell Institute Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Hennes
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Boeckx
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bich Bui
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Woman and Baby Division, Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben Heremans
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Woman and Child Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Perneel
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hiroto Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Structural Science, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Indra Van Zundert
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Brems
- Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Cox
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Ferrante
- Unit of Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hiroshi Uji-I
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kian Peng Koh
- Stem Cell Institute Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Woman and Child Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne Vanhie
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven University Fertility Center (LUFC), UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Woman and Child Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christel Meuleman
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven University Fertility Center (LUFC), UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Tomassetti
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven University Fertility Center (LUFC), UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Timmerman
- Woman and Child Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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48
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Tomassetti C, Bafort C, Meuleman C, Welkenhuysen M, Fieuws S, D'Hooghe T. Reproducibility of the Endometriosis Fertility Index: a prospective inter-/intra-rater agreement study. BJOG 2019; 127:107-114. [PMID: 31319445 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reproducibility of the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI). DESIGN Single-cohort prospective observational study. SETTING University hospital. POPULATION Women undergoing laparoscopic resection of any rASRM-stage endometriosis. METHODS Details of pre- and peroperative findings were collected into a coded research file. EFI scoring was performed en-bloc by three different raters (expert-1 [C.T.], expert-2 [C.M.], junior [C.B.]). Required sample size: 71. Definitions used for agreement: clinical (scores within same range: 0-4, 5-6, 7-10) and numerical (difference ≤1 EFI point). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome: rate of clinical agreement between two experts. SECONDARY OUTCOMES expert numerical agreement, clinical and numerical agreement between expert-1 and junior, and within expert-1 (intra-observer), agreement of rASRM score and -stage. RESULTS A near 'inter-expert' clinical agreement rate (1.000, 95% CI 0.956-1.000; P = 0.0149) was observed. The numerical agreement between two experts was also high (0.988, 95% CI 0.934-1.000); similarly, high agreement rates were observed for both 'junior-expert' comparisons (clinical 0 .963, 95% CI 0.897-0.992; numerical 0.988, 95% CI 0.934-1.000) and 'intra-expert' comparisons (clinical 0.988, 95% CI 0.934-1.000; numerical 1.000, 95% CI 0.956-1.000). Reasons for disagreements were different scoring of the least-function score and disagreements in rASRM scores. The reproducibility of the rASRM score was clearly inferior to that of the EFI for all comparisons. CONCLUSION The EFI can be reproduced reliably by different raters, further supporting its use in daily clinical practice as the principal clinical tool for postoperative fertility counselling/management of women with endometriosis. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT A study confirming the high reproducibility of the EFI substantiates its use in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tomassetti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Bafort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Meuleman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Welkenhuysen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Fieuws
- Department of Public Health, Interuniversity Centre for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Lunenfeld B, Bilger W, Longobardi S, Alam V, D'Hooghe T, Sunkara SK. The Development of Gonadotropins for Clinical Use in the Treatment of Infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:429. [PMID: 31333582 PMCID: PMC6616070 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The first commercially available gonadotropin product was a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) extract, followed by animal pituitary gonadotropin extracts. These extracts were effective, leading to the introduction of the two-step protocol, which involved ovarian stimulation using animal gonadotropins followed by ovulation triggering using hCG. However, ovarian response to animal gonadotropins was maintained for only a short period of time due to immune recognition. This prompted the development of human pituitary gonadotropins; however, supply problems, the risk for Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, and the advent of recombinant technology eventually led to the withdrawal of human pituitary gonadotropin from the market. Urinary human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) preparations were also produced, with subsequent improvements in purification techniques enabling development of products with standardized proportions of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity. In 1962 the first reported pregnancy following ovulation stimulation with hMG and ovulation induction with hCG was described, and this product was later established as part of the standard protocol for ART. Improvements in immunopurification techniques enabled the removal of LH from hMG preparations; however, unidentified urinary protein contaminants remained a problem. Subsequently, monoclonal FSH antibodies were used to produce a highly purified FSH preparation containing <0.1 IU of LH activity and <5% unidentified urinary proteins, enabling the formulation of smaller injection volumes that could be administered subcutaneously rather than intramuscularly. Ongoing issues with gonadotropins derived from urine donations, including batch-to-batch variability and a finite donor supply, were overcome by the development of recombinant gonadotropin products. The first recombinant human FSH molecules received marketing approvals in 1995 (follitropin alfa) and 1996 (follitropin beta). These had superior purity and a more homogenous glycosylation pattern compared with urinary or pituitary FSH. Subsequently recombinant versions of LH and hCG have been developed, and biosimilar versions of follitropin alfa have received marketing authorization. More recent developments include a recombinant FSH produced using a human cell line, and a long-acting FSH preparation. These state of the art products are administered subcutaneously via pen injection devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lunenfeld
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Wilma Bilger
- Medical Affairs Fertility, Endocrinology and General Medicine, Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Veronica Alam
- Global Clinical Development, EMD Serono, Rockland, MA, United States
- A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sesh K. Sunkara
- Assisted Conception Unit, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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50
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Vermey BG, Chua SJ, Zafarmand MH, Wang R, Longobardi S, Cottell E, Beckers F, Mol BW, Venetis CA, D'Hooghe T. Is there an association between oocyte number and embryo quality? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:751-763. [PMID: 31540848 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the association between aspirated after ovarian stimulation and top/good quality embryos obtained in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for English-language publications on top/good-quality embryos at cleavage (day 2/3) and/or blastocyst (day 5/6) developmental stages, up to 18 November 2017. Twenty-eight studies (three prospective and 25 retrospective) reporting data on 291,752 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles were considered eligible. We confirmed a strong positive association between oocytes retrieved and top/good-quality day 2/3 embryos (weighted correlation coefficient [rw] = 0.791), day 5/6 embryos (rw = 0.901), metaphase II oocytes (rw = 0.988), oocytes exhibiting two pronuclei (rw = 0.987) and euploid embryos (rw = 0.851); P < 0.001 for all correlations (evaluated in subsets of the 17 studies). Data from 5657 cycles showed that the group with the most oocytes aspirated had the most top/good-quality day 2/3 embryos (pooled standardized mean differences (high [>15] versus low [<4] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.77, P < 0.0001; high versus medium [4-15] 1.15, 95% CI 0.74-1.55, P < 0.0001; medium versus low 1.41, 95% CI 0.79-2.03, P < 0.0001). Individual participant meta-analysis would enable accurate determination of these associations and other outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda G Vermey
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales NSW, Australia.
| | - Su Jen Chua
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Mohammad Hadi Zafarmand
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rui Wang
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide SA, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton Victoria, Australia
| | - Christos A Venetis
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales NSW, Australia; Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales NSW, Australia
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