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

PURPOSE

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

PURPOSE

To provide an agreed upon definition of hyper-response for women undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS)?

METHODS

A literature search was performed regarding hyper-response to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 5 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements in the questionnaire for the first round of the Delphi consensus. The questionnaire was distributed to 31 experts, 22 of whom responded (with representation selected for global coverage), each anonymous to the others. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥ 66% of the participants agreed and ≤ 3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus.

RESULTS

17/18 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. (I) Definition of a hyper-response: Collection of ≥ 15 oocytes is characterized as a hyper-response (72.7% agreement). OHSS is not relevant for the definition of hyper-response if the number of collected oocytes is above a threshold (≥ 15) (77.3% agreement). The most important factor in defining a hyper-response during stimulation is the number of follicles ≥ 10 mm in mean diameter (86.4% agreement). (II) Risk factors for hyper-response: AMH values (95.5% agreement), AFC (95.5% agreement), patient's age (77.3% agreement) but not ovarian volume (72.7% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, the most important risk factor for a hyper-response is the antral follicular count (AFC) (68.2% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, when AMH and AFC are discordant, one suggesting a hyper-response and the other not, AFC is the more reliable marker (68.2% agreement). The lowest serum AMH value that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 2 ng/ml (14.3 pmol/L) (72.7% agreement). The lowest AFC that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 18 (81.8% agreement). Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as per Rotterdam criteria are at a higher risk of hyper-response than women without PCOS with equivalent follicle counts and gonadotropin doses during ovarian stimulation for IVF (86.4% agreement). No consensus was reached regarding the number of growing follicles ≥ 10 mm that would define a hyper-response.

CONCLUSION

The definition of hyper-response and its risk factors can be useful for harmonizing research, improving understanding of the subject, and tailoring patient care.

O-257 The effect of the presence of intramural myomas smaller than 6 cm on reproductive outcome in IVF treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study question

What is the effect of small intramural myomas on the reproductive outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?

Summary answer

Non-cavity-distorting intramural myomas with the size of < 6 cm have a significant adverse effect on reproductive outcomes in IVF treatment.

What is known already

There is a consensus that submucous myomas have a significant unfavorable impact on reproductive outcomes, whereas subserosal myomas do not seem to have any adverse effects. Women with large (≥6 cm) non-cavity-distorting intramural myomas should be evaluated individually, considering their reproductive history. However, there is scarce data on the effect of relatively smaller intramural myomas (<6 cm) on reproductive outcomes and how to manage them before IVF treatment.

Study design, size, duration

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies from inception until 31 November 2021. Search terms were used as “intramural fibroid*” [tw] OR “intramural leiomyom*” [tw] OR “intramural myom*” [tw]. English language and human subjects were applied to search filters.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The target population was infertile women undergoing IVF treatment with non-cavity-distorting intramural myomas <6 cm in diameter. History of myomectomy and the presence of predominant subserous myomas, submucous myomas, or other cavity distorting pathologies were exclusion criteria. The primary outcome measures were live birth rate (LBR) and miscarriage rate (MR). Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. All statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4.1.

Main results and the role of chance

The initial search strategy yielded 378 studies. After adopting exclusion criteria, eight studies were included in the final analysis. Six of these studies had a NOS score of 8 out of 10, and the remaining two studies had 9 out of 10. Three studies had a prospective design, and five studies had a retrospective design. Two of eight studies did not report LBR as an outcome. In pooling data analysis of six studies including 2058 cycles (1980 women), 41% relative reduction in LBR was observed in women with non-cavity-distorting intramural myomas with the size of < 6 cm compared to women without myomas (RR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.49–0.71, I2=0%, p<0.00001). A sub-group analysis for smaller intramural myomas (<3 cm) was also performed and concordantly 27% decrease in the LBR (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57–0.93, I2=0%, p=0.01) was found. Regarding the MR, for women with non-cavity-distorting intramural myomas with the size of < 6 cm, 50% relative increase in MR was found when compared with women without myomas (RR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.11–2.04, I2=0%, 8 studies, p=0.009).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Lack of information regarding the distance of myomas from endometrium and the number of myomas in most of the included studies is a limitation. Differences in IVF treatment and uterine cavity evaluation methods among studies may limit generalizability of the findings. Future RCTs are warranted to confirm our findings.

Wider implications of the findings

This study is the first meta-analysis with overall moderate-quality evidence from observational studies to demonstrate the adverse effect of the presence of small (<6 cm) intramural myomas on reproductive outcomes in IVF treatment. Surgical removal of such small myomas should be considered before IVF treatment.

Trial registration number

not applicable

O-246 A drop in serum progesterone(P4) levels between 5th and 7th days of triggering ovulation is associated with lower ongoing pregnancy rate(OPR) in intrauterine insemination cycles

Study question

Is there any association between early- and mid-luteal phase serum P4 levels and OPR in patients undergoing IUI due to unexplained or mild male-factor infertility?

Summary answer

A drop in serum progesterone (P4) levels between 5th and 7th day of triggering ovulation is independently associated with lower OPR in IUI cycles.

What is known already

The definition of luteal phase insufficiency in natural cycles is controversial and might be encountered ∼10% of infertile couples. Serum P4 level measurement is a still the most feasible method for luteal phase monitoring. Recently, some research groups have been focusing on monitoring luteal phase in in-vitro fertilization cycles, however, there is scarce of evidence on luteal phase characteristics and reproductive outcomes in IUI cycles.

Study design, size, duration

A prospective cohort study. A total of 179 consecutive patients (230 cycles) with unexplained and mild male factor infertility undergoing IUI treatment at Hacettepe University in between June 2020 and May 2021 were included. For ovarian stimulation, of the included 230 cycles, clomiphene citrate and gonadotropin were used consecutively in 161 cycles and only gonadotropin in the remaining 69 cycles. The primary outcome measure was the OPR. No progesterone was administered for luteal phase support.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Serum P4 levels were measured on the 5th and 7th day of hCG triggering.P4 level were available in 183 cycles for hCG+5 day, in 161 cycles for hCG+7 day. In order to investigate the effect of P4 levels on OPR, patients were divided into two groups as ≤ 10th percentile and >10th percentile according to serum P4 levels measured on hCG+5 and hCG+7 days, with the cut off values ≤5.6 ng/ml and ≤8.46 ng/ml, respectively.

Main results and the role of chance

Of the 230 cycles 17 (7.4%) were resulted with ongoing pregnancy. In the univariate analysis, the OPRs of the hCG+5 and hCG+7 serum P4 ≤10% and >10% groups were 10.5% (2/19) versus 5.5% (9/164) (p = 0.80) and 0% (0/16) versus 7.5% (n = 11/145) (p = 0.24), respectively. There was no ongoing pregnancy in patient with ≤8.46 ng/ml serum P4 level on hCG+7 day. The ΔP4 value was calculated by subtracting the serum P4 level measured on hCG+5 from the serum P4 level measured on day hCG+7 (ΔP4= hCG+7 – hCG+5). While none of the 26 patients with negative ΔP4 had ongoing pregnancy, 8 (6.2%) of 130 patients with positive ΔP4 had ongoing pregnancy (p = 0.194). In the multivariate-GEE (generalized estimating equation) analysis, ΔP4 was found to be an independent predictor of ongoing pregnancy alone (ß:0.137, 95% CI = 0.020-0.254, p = 0.02).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The physiological circadian pulsatile secretion of P4 during the mid-luteal phase and limited sample size are limitations, however, blood sampling was standardized to reduce the impact of timing.

Wider implications of the findings

Low progesterone level with the threshold ≤8.46 ng/ml on the hCG+7 day is associated lower OPR. Two measurements (hCG+5 day, hCG+7 day) of P4may delineate those patients with a drop in P4, associated lower OPRs. Rescuing these IUI cycles with additional P4supplementation should be tested in future randomized controlled trials.

Trial registration number

NCT04707430

P-679 Comparison of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and true-natural cycle (t-NC) protocols for endometrial priming: An analysis of 1,815 warmed blastocyst transfer cycles

Study question

Does the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of HRT with or without GnRH-agonist suppression and t-NC protocols differ in patients undergoing warmed blastocyst transfer?

Summary answer

HRT, with or without GnRH-agonist suppression, and t-NC protocols are associated with comparable OPRs in patients undergoing warmed blastocyst transfer.

What is known already

Despite the worldwide increase in frozen embryo transfer cycles, the most optimal protocol for priming of the endometrium is debated. Although HRT offers flexibility, recent evidence points tot-NC being superior to HRT regarding safety, i.e., maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes.However, there are still conflicting data regarding pre-clinical losses and reproductive outcomes when comparing the two protocols.

Study design, size, duration

In this longitudinal prospective study, 1,815 consecutive patients undergoing 1,815 warmed blastocyst transfer cycles at the Anatolia IVF Centre, Ankara, between 2015-2021, were included. HRT with pituitary suppression was the protocol of choice during 2015- 2017, whereas HRT without suppression and t-NC were more commonly employed during the latter part of the period.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All patients with an available day-5/6 vitrified blastocyst(s) were included. Each patient was included only once. The three protocols were t-NC and HRT - with or without suppression. The prerequisites for t-NC was being a local patient with regular menstrual cycles. For t-NC, neither human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) nor luteal phase support was administered. The primary outcome measure was OPR, defined as pregnancy >12 weeks of gestation.

Main results and the role of chance

Of the 1,815 cycles,124 were t-NC, 477 were HRT with suppression, and 1,214 were HRT without suppression. For the stimulated cycles leading to FET, no difference was seen among the three groups regarding female age, body mass index, duration of infertility, number of previous embryo transfer attempts, ovarian stimulation protocol, estradiol levels on the day of hCG trigger, number of oocytes retrieved, number of preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy, freeze-all cycles and number of embryos transferred. The positive pregnancy test rates of the HRT protocol with or without suppression were higher when compared with that of t-NC (63.7%, 66.6%, and 58.1%,respectively; p = 0.05). The respective figure for clinical pregnancy rates were 56.6%, 60.8% and 55.6% (p = 0.07). However, the pre-clinical (biochemical) loss rates (11.9%, 10.9%, and 4.9%, respectively; p = 0.05), as well as the miscarriage rates (11.9%, 10.9%, and 4.9%, respectively; p = 0.04), were higher in the HRT groups with or without suppression compared to those of t-NC. The OPRs of t-NC, HRT with or without suppression were comparable (53.2%, 45.1%, and 49.0%, respectively; p = 0.73). The protocol for endometrial priming was not an independent predictor of ongoing pregnancy at logistic regression analysis when potential confounders were used as covariates (OR = 0.998; 95%CI 0.669-1.490, p = 0.99).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The longitudinal study design and the lack of obstetric and perinatal outcome data are limitations.

Wider implications of the findings

Compared with t-NC, the HRT protocol with/without suppression is associated with higher positive pregnancy test rates albeit increased pre-clinical and clinical loss rates, resulting incomparable OPRs. When compared with t-NC, the HRT protocol could be associated with enhanced endometrial receptivity at the expense of decreased selectivity.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-684 The impact of oral sphingosine-1-phosphate analogue on ovarian aging in women with multiple sclerosis

Study question

Is there a protective effect of oral sphingosine-1-phosphate analogue (S1P) on ovarian reserve?

Summary answer

The use of oral long acting S1P analogue may reduce spontaneous primordial follicle loss and preserve ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age.

What is known already

The number of primordial follicles decrease by apoptosis with advancing age in women. Seramid pathway is one of the apoptosis regulatory pathways in human ovaries. An increase in the balance between ceramide and S1P in S1P direction, known as cell membrane sphingomyelins, inhibits follicular apoptosis. Fingolimod (Novartis, Germany), a long-acting oral analogue of S1P, is a drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). We have previously found that use of fingolimod might reduce the spontaneous follicular apoptosis and increase the number of residual primordial follicles in a rat model.

Study design, size, duration

A prospective cohort study. Twenty-one consecutive women in reproductive age to whom fingolimod therapy were commenced for MS at Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology in between 2018 – 2021were included.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Regularly menstruating women under <38 years old was included. Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels were measured at the beginning of Fingolimod, 6th and 12th months of the treatment. The decrease in serum AMH levels were calculated and compared with standard AMH decrease in healthy women.

Main results and the role of chance

The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of the 21 patients was 26.95±6.07. The mean±SD of AMH level at the beginning was 2,62±1,64 ng/ml. The respective figure for the 6th month and 12th month were 3,10±2,02 and 1,70±1,70 ng/ml. Overall, there was an increase of 0.6 ng/ml in mean AMH during this period. AMH level decreased in 2 patients, remained unchanged in 2 patients, and increased in 5 patients.

Limitations, reasons for caution

High (∼50%) loss to follow-up rate is a main limitation.

Wider implications of the findings

Oral long-acting MS drug fingolimod may have a protective effect on ovarian reserve in human by reducing spontaneous follicle loss rate, studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up period is warranted to demonstrate this effect.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-406 Ongoing pregnancy rates (OPRs) after warmed blastocyst transfer (WBT) in a true-natural cycle (t-NC) are similar using six different luteinizing hormone (LH) surge criteria

Study question

Does timing of WBT in t-NC differ according to six different commonly definitions for LH surge, and if so, do differences in timing impact OPRs?

Summary answer

Performing WBT on follicular collapse+5 days is equivalent to LH surge +7/+8 /+9 days in terms of OPRs, using six different definitions of LH surge.

What is known already

Pinpointing the day of ovulation, usually by documentation of the LH surge, and less commonly by transvaginal-ultrasonography is crucial for timing WBT in t-NC to maximize reproductive success. However, there is no consensus on the definition of the LH surge, and the most commonly used six LH-surge definitions are LH ≥ 10, ≥15, ≥17, ≥20 IU/L, ≥1.8-fold, and ≥2-fold increase from baseline. The usual practice is to schedule warmed blastocyst transfer on LH-surge +6 days.

Study design, size, duration

Prospective monitoring of 115 WBT cycles performed during January 2017-October 2021. The goals of the study were i)to assess how frequently and to what extent there would be a change in WBT related to the day of the LH surge, using the six different definitions of LH surge, compared to follicular collapse +5 days; ii)for each definition of the LH surge to compare OPRs of different WBT timings related to the day of LH surge.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Staying locally and having regular menstrual cycles were the main criteria to perform t-NC. For t-NC, serial serum endocrine (LH, estradiol, and progesterone) and transvaginal ultrasonographic monitoring started on cycle days 8-10. Following precise documentation of follicular collapse by ultrasound, WBT was performed on follicular collapse +5 days. All included cycles were t-NC without human chorionic gonadotropin trigger or luteal phase support administration.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 115 t-NC cycles were included for the first part of the study, determining the impact of different definitions of the LH-surge for the day of WBT. Our reference timing of follicular collapse +5 days would be equivalent to LH-surge +6 days in only 5.2%-41.2% of the cycles employing the six different LH-surge definitions. In contrast, the reference timing was comparable to LH surge +7 days in the majority of cycles (46.1%-70.8%) and less commonly to LH-surge +8 days (1.8%-38.3%) and +9 days (0%-10.4%). For the second part of the study, a total of 94 cycles were analyzed; 15 cycles were excluded as these cycles constituted 2nd or 3rd t-NC cycles; four cycles due to low serum progesterone (<7 ng/ml) on WBT-1 day and two cycles due to failure of survival after warming. For each LH-surge definition, OPRs were comparable among the different WBT timings related to the LH-surge (+6/+7/+8/+9 days). When logistic regression analysis was performed, taking LH-surge + 6 days as the reference, a change in timing was not an independent predictor of OPR for all six different definitions of the LH-surge.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Assignment of WBT timings related to LH-surge by our standard policy (follicular collapse +5 days), rather than by randomization, is a limitation. Other limitations include single daily measurements of serum LH and limited sample size.

Wider implications of the findings

Differences in warmed blastocyst timing related to the LH surge (LH surge +6/+7/+8/+9) are associated with comparable reproductive outcomes in t-NC, reflecting the flexibility of the window of implantation. Further, trials are warranted to delineate the best tool and timing of FET for warmed blastocyst transfer in t-NC.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–328 Dienogest significantly decreases the size of the cyst and alters Anti-Müllerian Hormone concentration in patients with endometrioma

Study question

Does utilization of dienogest make any impact on the size of cyst and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentration in patients with endometrioma throughout 12-months?

Summary answer

Although dienogest makes a gradual reduction in the size of endometrioma cyst throughout 12-months, a significant drop in AMH serum concentration was also noticed.

What is known already

According to recent studies, pre-operative serum AMH levels might be illusively increased with parallel to the size of endometrioma which will be a misleading factor while deciding to operate the patient via cystectomy. Although dienogest is one of the medical options that might be commenced in patients with endometrioma cyst, there is limited data about its effect on the size of the endometrioma and hence serum AMH concentration throughout 12 months of follow up.

Study design, size, duration

The current observational cohort study was conducted among patients with endometrioma those treated with dienogest from January 2017 to January 2020. The primary outcome was alteration in diameter of endometrioma cyst at 6th and 12th months of treatment. Secondary outcome was alteration in serum AMH concentration in the same period. Of 104 patients treated with dienogest, 44 patients were excluded due to being treated with any type of surgical intervention during follow up period.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 60 patients were recruited for the final analysis. Of them, primary symptom was dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and menstrual irregularity in 16 (26.7%), 25 (41.7%) and 8 (13.3%) patients, respectively. Eighteen patients (30%) were asymptomatic. As 21 patients had bi-lateral endometrioma, size of the leading cyst was considered to be analyzed for the primary outcome measure. Paired-t test was used for comparison of numerical values and p ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistical significance.

Main results and the role of chance

The mean age was 31.5±8.0 years. In the time point when dienogest was started, the mean size of the endometrioma was 46.3±17.4 mm. The mean serum AMH concentration was 3.6±2.4 ng/ml. After 6 months of treatment, the mean size of the endometrioma decreased to 38.6±14.0 mm which corresponds to a mean difference of 7.8 mm (95% CI: 3.0 to 12.6; p: 0.003). The respective figure for AMH was 3.3±2.7 ng/ml which corresponds to a mean difference of 0.3 ng/ml (95% CI: –0.2 to 0.8; p: 0.23) at 6 months. After 12 months of treatment, the mean size of the endometrioma was 37.5±15.7 mm which corresponds to a mean difference of 8.9 mm (95% CI: 2.9 to 14.9; p: 0.005) at the end of 12 months. The respective figure for AMH was 2.7±1.9 ng/ml which corresponds to a mean difference of 0.9 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.1 to 1.7; p: 0.045) at the end of 12 months. The mean diameter of endometrioma and AMH concentration did not differ throughout the time period between 6th and 12th months of the treatment.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although herein we present the largest data that depicts the alteration of endometrioma cyst and AMH concentration with the application of dienogest, the lack of control group is a limitation that avoids to perform any comparison.

Wider implications of the findings: A shrinkage after commencement of treatment suggest that dienogest might present improvement in patients with endometrioma with respect to radiological findings, but further studies are required whether a decline in AMH concentration after 12 months refers to a genuine decrease in ovarian reserve or resolution of misleading high pre-treatment levels.

Trial registration number

not available

Gonadotrophin treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Gonadotrophin treatment in clomiphene citrate resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients, using either low-dose step-up or low-dose step-down protocols, is highly effective to achieve singleton live births. Concomitant use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), which will block the endogenous feedback for monofollicular development during the low-dose step-up protocol, should not be employed. It is more difficult to induce ovulation in patients with more 'severe' PCOS, characterized by obesity and insulin resistance. There is need for optimization of starting doses for both the low-dose step-up and step-down protocols. Such optimization will prevent hyperstimulation due to a starting dose far above the FSH threshold, as well as minimize the time-consuming low-dose increments by starting with a higher dose in women with augmented FSH threshold. External validation of reported models for prediction of FSH response is warranted for tailoring and optimizing treatment for everyday clinical practice. Although preliminary, the partial cessation of follicular development, along with regression leading to atresia, lends support to the LH ceiling theory, emphasizing the delicate balance and need for both FSH and LH in normal follicular development. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials will reveal whether IVF with or without in-vitro maturation of the oocytes will improve safety and efficacy compared with classical ovulation induction strategies.

The effect of intramural and subserous uterine fibroids on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in patients having intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Our objective was to assess the effects of intramural and subserous fibroids on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a retrospective case-control study of 108 women with uterine fibroids and 324 controls. The fibroids were located and measured by transvaginal ultrasound performed just before the ICSI cycle and all patients had normal endometrial scan. Seventy-three women had intramural and 35 women had subserous fibroids and the maximum diameter in any patient ranged from 0.5-10 cm. The number of fibroids in a patient ranged from 1-8. The first cycle outcome was compared with an age and body mass index matched 324 ICSI patients/cycles. All couples had male factor infertility. The ICSI cycles of patients with intramural and subserous fibroids were comparable in terms of the days of ovarian stimulation, the total dose of gonadotropin used, estradiol level on day of hCG administration, the number of metaphase II oocytes retrieved, fertilization and cleavage rates, number and quality of embryos developed and transferred. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were similar. We conclude that the presence of intramural and subserous fibroids does not adversely effect clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in patients undergoing ICSI.

Hormone replacement therapy to improve left ventricular diastolic functions in healthy postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of estrogen and estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function parameters in healthy postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Forty-six healthy consecutive postmenopausal women were prospectively enrolled. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which was either 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) alone, or with 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was administered depending on the hysterectomy status. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function parameters were evaluated with echocardiography before and after 6 months of HRT. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone did not significantly alter the left ventricular dimensions and systolic function parameters. However, significant improvements were noted in several diastolic function parameters including late diastolic mitral flow velocity, ratio of early to late mitral flow velocity and isovolumic relaxation time (P=0.003, P=0.001 and P=0.005, respectively, for the CEE group; all P<0.001 for the CEE+MPA group).

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy may significantly improve left ventricular diastolic functions in healthy postmenopausal women.

A prospective evaluation of the effect of salpingectomy on endometrial receptivity in cases of women with communicating hydrosalpinges

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess whether salpingectomy in women with communicating hydrosalpinges influenced endometrial receptivity.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were: women with communicating hydrosalpinges, absence of other confounding infertility factors and aged <40 years. Patients were scheduled for laparoscopy during the putative window of implantation (cycle days 19-21). In patients in whom salpingectomy was decided upon due to the severity of tubal disease (n = 10), an intra-operative endometrial biopsy was performed. Post-treatment endometrial sampling was done between day 19-21 of the fourth consecutive cycle. Pre-treatment and post-treatment samples were assessed by both conventional histologic criteria and alpha(v)beta3 integrin immunostaining, where histological score (HSCORE) was used for quantification.

RESULTS

Despite normal histological maturation assessed by conventional criteria, 8/10 hydrosalpinx cases yielded an epithelial HSCORE of <0.7, which was below the accepted threshold. Following salpingectomy, luminal endometrial epithelium demonstrated a significantly increased alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression (Wilcoxon's signed rank test, P = 0.017). Although the mean HSCORE for glandular epithelia improved, it failed to reach statistical significance. Ultrasound visible hydrosalpinges (n = 5) and non-visible cases (n = 5) were also compared. However, neither the pre-treatment integrin expression, nor the postoperative improvement were significantly different between these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the surgical treatment of communicating hydrosalpinges may improve endometrial receptivity as assessed by alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression. Women with hydrosalpinges may undergo endometrial evaluation by the molecular markers of implantation, such as alpha(v)beta3 integrin. This evaluation may be decisive in determining the optimal management of cases, and may also be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment. The expression of the implantation markers should be correlated with implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in IVF-embryo transfer programs.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, but the underlying mechanism(s) are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-month course of HRT on cardiac autonomic function parameters assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Forty-six healthy postmenopausal women (age 48 +/- 5, range 40-60) with normal baseline electrocardiogram and negative exercise testing were enrolled. HRT, which was either 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate or 0.625 mg/day CEE alone were administered depending on hysterectomy status. Power spectral analysis of HRV was performed to calculate the low frequency component in absolute (LF) and normalized units (LF nu), high frequency component in absolute (HF), and normalized units (HF nu), and the LF/HF ratio. The standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) was calculated from the time series of RR intervals.

RESULTS

A 6-month course of HRT did not significantly alter resting heart rate (P > 0.05). The LF/HF ratio and LF nu significantly decreased after HRT (P = 0.022 and P = 0.032), whereas a significant increase was noted in the HF component of HRV (P = 0.043), indicating an improvement in cardiac autonomic function. The SDNN value, which was 28.8 +/- 11.8 ms before HRT significantly increased to 35.4 +/- 16.7 ms after 6 months (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that a 6-month course of HRT may significantly improve cardiac autonomic function parameters, a finding that could at least partly explain the potential cardioprotective effect(s) of HRT.

Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess cardiac flow parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

A prospective case-control study.

SETTING

University-based hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty consecutive patients with PCOS were enrolled. Thirty women with regular menstrual cycles served as the controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

Systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed by standard two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and area-under-curve insulin analysis. Serum hormones, lipid profile, homocysteine, vitamin B(12), folate, fibrinogen, uric acid, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I concentrations were measured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Systolic and diastolic function parameters, insulin sensitivity and serum homocysteine levels.

RESULT(S)

The mean serum homocysteine and uric acid concentrations were significantly higher in the PCOS group. Patients with PCOS had significant hyperinsulinemia. All systolic function parameters were comparable between the two groups. However, patients with PCOS had significantly lower peak mitral flow velocity in early diastole and significantly lower ratio between the early and late peak mitral flow velocities and also had significantly longer isovolumic relaxation time, reflecting a trend for nonrestrictive-type diastolic dysfunction. The area-under-curve insulin correlated positively with peak mitral flow velocity in late diastole (r = 0.375). The mean cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio correlated negatively with mean mitral flow velocity in early diastole (E) peak (r = -0.474). The mean fasting insulin level correlated negatively with mean E/A ratio (r = -0.387).

CONCLUSION(S)

Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with PCOS.

Hormone replacement therapy shortens QT dispersion in healthy postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on myocardial repolarization characteristics in postmenopausal women without coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Fifty-one consecutive healthy postmenopausal women (age 48 +/- 5) with negative exercise stress testing were prospectively enrolled into the study. Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms were obtained to evaluate the effects of 6 months of HRT on QT intervals, corrected QT intervals (QTcmax and QTcmin), QT dispersion (QTd), and corrected QTd (QTcd). Hormone regimens were continuous 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or 0.625 mg/day CEE alone depending on the hysterectomy status.

RESULTS

Although not statistically significant, CEE alone or in combination with MPA increased QTmax and QTmin values. However, the increase in QTmin was greater than the increase in QTmax, which resulted in statistically significant shortening of QTd (P = 0.007 in CEE and P < 0.001 in CEE + MPA groups). There was a significant prolongation of QTcmin values after 6 months in patients assigned to the CEE group (P = 0.001). The QTcd values were significantly shortened by HRT with both regimens (for CEE group 49 +/- 13 ms vs 38 +/- 13 ms, P = 0.01; for CEE + MPA group 49 +/- 14 ms vs 36 +/- 13, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

HRT significantly decreased the QTd and QTcd in postmenopausal women without coronary artery disease, independent of the addition of MPA to the regimen. This improvement in myocardial repolarization may be one of the mechanisms of the favorable effects of HRT on cardiovascular system. However, the clinical implications of the shortening of QTd in postmenopausal women with HRT must be clarified.

The presence and extent of endometriosis do not effect clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of endometriosis on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study which enrolled 1280 consecutive cycles of 834 couples of ICSI with ejaculated sperm. Among them, 973 cycles of 632 couples had resulted in embryo transfer (ET). The presence of endometriosis was noted in 110 consecutive cycles of 45 patients among which 78 cycles of 44 patients had resulted in ET. Data from endometriosis group were analyzed in subgroups of minimal-mild (49 ET cycles of 25 patients) and moderate-severe (29 ET cycles of 19 patients). The controls consisted of 1170 consecutive cycles of age-matched 771 couples. Of the controls, 588 couples had 895 cycles of ET. Main outcome measures were implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

There were no differences in cycle and ET cancellation rates between control and endometriosis groups. The number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization and cleavage rates and the number and quality of embryos developed and transferred were similar among the groups. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were also comparable.

CONCLUSION

The presence and extent of endometriosis do not affect implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in patients undergoing ICSI.

Short-term effects of three continuous hormone replacement therapy regimens on platelet tritiated imipramine binding and mood scores: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of continuous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens on platelet-tritiated ((3)H-) imipramine binding (Bmax) and mood.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Sixty postmenopausal patients.

INTERVENTION(S)

Randomization to 3 months of daily treatment with tibolone and conjugated equine estrogen (CEE).625 mg combined either with 2.5 or 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The inclusion criteria-matched patients declined for HRT were prescribed daily alendronate. Pre- and posttreatment blood sampling for Bmax and mood evaluation with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were done.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores.

RESULT(S)

As compared with baseline, both CEE+MPA regimens and tibolone significantly increased Bmax. The comparisons of percent change from baseline Bmax for the CEE+MPA and tibolone groups were similar. All three HRT regimens improved the BDI significantly, while there were no significant changes in the STAI. In the alendronate group, there were no significant changes in both pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores.

CONCLUSION(S)

Continuous treatment with CEE+MPA and tibolone increases platelet (3)H-imipramine binding and improves mood. Mood-enhancing effects of tibolone may occur through the serotonergic system, as is the case with estrogen.

The origin of spermatozoa does not affect intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the origin of spermatozoa, ejaculate or testicular, affects intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of 890 consecutive first ICSI and embryo transfer cycles done for male infertility. The ICSI outcome of ejaculated spermatozoa (n=780) and testicular spermatozoa retrieved from patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=43), non-obstructive azoospermia (n=53) and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (n=14) were compared by using chi-square test, independent t-test and ANOVA with Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

All azoospermic males had a diagnostic testicular biopsy at least 6 months before the ICSI procedure. Spermatozoa were successfully retrieved in all 43 patients with obstructive azoospermia and in 72.6% of 73 non-obstructive cases. The cycle characteristics of the four groups were similar apart from a younger mean female age in the non-obstructive azoospermia group when compared with the ejaculated spermatozoa group. The fertilization, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were comparable among the four groups.

CONCLUSION

Testicular spermatozoa recovered from patients with obstructive and all types of non-obstructive azoospermia were as much as effective as ejaculated spermatozoa in ICSI.

Combined bilateral ectopic and intrauterine pregnancy following ovulation induction with the low-dose step-up protocol in a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome

A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) developed bilateral tubal and an intrauterine pregnancy following ovulation induction with urinary FSH using the low-dose step-up protocol. After a spontaneous miscarriage she was treated by laparoscopic left salpingectomy and right linear salpingotomy.