Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes Research Articles

Duration of late-follicular elevated progesterone and in vitro fertilization outcomes in pituitary down-regulation treatment cycles.

The objective of this study was to explore whether the duration of LFEP (late-follicular elevated progesterone) affected pregnancy outcomes in IVF (in vitro fertilization) patients treated with pituitary downregulation protocols. Patients with their first IVF/ICSI cycles between January 2016 and December 2016 were included. LFEP was set either at P > 1.0ng/ml or P > 1.5ng/ml. Clinical pregnancy rate was compared among three different groups (no LFEP; LFEP for 1 day; LFEP for ≥ 2 days). Then multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the influencing factors of clinical pregnancy rate. This retrospective analysis involved 3,521 first IVF/ICSI cycles with fresh embryo transfers. Clinical pregnancy rate was the lowest in patients with a LFEP duration of ≥ 2 days, irrespective of whether LFEP was defined as P > 1.0 ng/ml (68.79% vs. 63.02% vs. 56.20%; P = 0.000) or as P > 1.5 ng/ml (67.24% vs. 55.95% vs. 45.51%; P = 0.000). In addition, LFEP duration was significantly associated with clinical pregnancy outcomes in unadjusted logistic regression analysis. However, in multivariate regression models after adjusting confounders, adjusted OR for LFEP duration (≥ 2 days) in the two models was 0.808 (P = 0.064; LFEP as P > 1.0 ng/ml) and 0.720 (P = 0.098; LFEP as P > 1.5 ng/ml), respectively. LFEP adversely affects clinical pregnancy outcomes. However, the duration of LFEP seems to have no influence on the clinical pregnancy rate in pituitary downregulation treatment cycles.

The relationship between dominant follicle development and clinical outcomes of hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer: a retrospective clinical study.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most used endometrial preparation protocols for frozen embryo transfer (FET) due to the convenience of its administration and stability of pregnancy outcomes. There are several HRT cycles accompanied by the development of dominant follicles. However, the relationship between dominant follicle development and clinical outcomes in HRT-FET cycles remains unclear. We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 13251 cycles at our reproductive medicine center from 2012 to 2019. Total cycles were divided into two groups according to whether there was dominant follicular development. In addition, we conducted a secondary analysis that used propensity-score matching to reduce confounding variables. A univariate and multivariable logistic regression model was further employed to analyze the effect of dominant follicle development in HRT cycles on clinical pregnancy outcomes. There was no significant correlation between dominant follicle development in HRT-FET cycles and the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 0.737-1.832, P = 0.52). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the basic follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level and the development of dominant follicles, while there was a negative correlation between antral follicle count (AFC), menstrual cycle length and the development of dominant follicles in HRT cycles. The development of dominant follicles in HRT-FET cycles does not affect the clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately cancel the FET cycle immediately when dominant follicle development is monitored in the HRT-FET cycle.

Hydroxychloroquine improves pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer with positive serum autoantibodies.

Does hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) improve pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients who are positive for autoantibodies？ METHOD OF STUDY: This was a retrospective clinical study involving 128 patients who were positive for autoantibodies undergoing FET cycles between October 2017 and December 2022. Subjects were divided into two groups: a study group of 65 cycles with HCQ (HCQ was administered orally over 2 months before transplantation and continued during the first trimester) and a control group consisting of 63 cycles without HCQ (no HCQ was used throughout the FET cycle). Each patient was enrolled in the cohort only once. Then, we analyzed the clinical pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Analysis showed that HCQ was a factor that independently associated with clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) OR (Odds Ratio): 3.106; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.458-6.616; p=.003. Furthermore, the implantation rate (IR), CPR and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR) and early miscarriage rate (EMR) were significantly lower than that in the control group (p=.029, p<.001). We found that HCQ improved clinical pregnancy outcomes and reduced the rate of first-trimester abortion in patients who were positive for autoantibodies during FET cycles.

Association between LH level decrease on the triggering day and pregnancy outcome for IVF/ICSI patients following GnRH antagonist protocol: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: Optimal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) patients following the GnRH antagonist protocol remain controversial. This study aimed to estimate the association between serum LH levels on the triggering day (LHLOT) and clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF/ICSI patients following the GnRH antagonist protocol. Methods: We enrolled 4743 IVF/ICSI cycles using flexible or fixed GnRH antagonist protocols between January 2017 and June 2021. The patients were stratified into four groups according to the LHLOT quartiles (Q1-Q4). Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the median basal LH/LHLOT. The main outcomes were clinical pregnancy, birth, and miscarriage rates. Secondary outcomes were oocyte yield, number of MII, 2PN, and high-quality embryos. Results: Serum LHLOT levels were negatively correlated with oocyte yield and the numbers of MII, 2PN, and high-quality embryos. Reproductive outcomes were compared among the different quartiles and subgroups. The absolute difference in the clinical pregnancy rates between the Q4 and Q1 groups was 6.4% (47.2% vs. 40.8%, P˂0.05). Clinical pregnancy rates between the subgroups with basal LH/LHLOT˃ 3.04 and ≤ 3.04 were 32.7% and 48.6% (P˂0.01), respectively, in Q1. Within Q3, the clinical pregnancy rates between the subgroups with basal LH/LHLOT ˃2.14 and ≤2.14 were 50.2% and 41.9%, respectively (P˂0.05). The greater the decrease in LH levels, the lower the oocyte maturation rate across all quartiles. Conclusions: According to the LHLOT quartiles, the Q1 of serum LHLOT ˂ 1.43 IU/L may result in a higher number of oocytes but reduced oocyte maturation and lower clinical pregnancy rates. A decrease in LH levels by approximately 2.14–3.04 times compared to basal LH levels may lead to higher clinical pregnancy rates in IVF/ICSI patients following the GnRH antagonist protocol.

In vitro fertilization outcomes In infertile women with adenomyosis

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile patients with adenomyosis and to identify relevant factors. Subjects and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of infertile cases with adenomyosis who received IVF therapy and embryo transfer from November 2013 to October 2022 at the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, excluding cases of oocyte donation or surrogacy. The β-hCG test was examined two weeks following embryo transfer. Then, women with hCG positive test were followed the pregnancy at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, and examined some factors that influence the clinical outcome of pregnancy. Results: Among 61 cycles of IVF treatment for infertile patients with adenomyosis, the average number of retrieved oocytes was 10.9±6.6 oocytes. The percentage of mature oocytes was 82.7%, the fertilization rate was 79.5%, the implantation rate was 16.7%, the clinical pregnancy rate was 19.7%, the miscarriage rate was 6.6%, and the ongoing pregnancy rate was 13.1%. In the group with GnRH agonist administration before embryo transfer, the pregnancy rate was greater than in the group without therapy (29.2% vs. 13.5%), and th e pregnancy rate in the group with &gt; 10 oocytes was higher than in the group with ≤ 10 oocytes (28.0% vs 13.5%). However, these differences were not statistically significant (with p &gt; 0.05). The cut-off point of endometrial thickness on the day of hCG injection, 10.25 mm, had a sensitivity of 58.3%, a specificity of 81.6%, an area under the curve (AUC) of 75.6%, and a p-value of 0.006; the cut-off point of endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer, 9.75 mm, had an accuracy of 9.75 mm. sensitivity 75%, specificity 71.4%, AUC 78.50%, p = 0.002 for clinical pregnancy prognosis. Conclusion: The IVF treatment of infertile patients with adenomyosis remains challenging, and additional research is required to explain the influence of this disorder on IVF outcomes. Key words: in vitro fertilization (IVF), adenomyosis, β-hCG.

Prevalence of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: The most frequent medical comorbidity during pregnancy is hypertension, rendering an elevated menace of unfavorable outcomes for equally mother and infant. It is a substantial public health concern, characterized by eclampsia, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia. Objectives: The study determined occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pregnancy outcomes, in the locality of Pakistan. Methods: The cross-sectional research appraised 05 districts of Pakistan in 2021-22. The study comprised 1920 patients affected with PIH. The demographic characteristics, laboratory and clinical values and pregnancy outcomes were recorded on the approved questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of PIH in pregnant females in study area was recorded as 13.70%. A significant proportion of PIH-affected females had genetic predisposition (51.14%), followed by abortion history (15.52%), history of hormonal imbalance (9.94%), history of Cesarean section (7.50%) and history of stillbirth (0.88%). Pregnancy outcome revealed that 16 (0.833%) women died of the PIH, 31 suffered from renal failure, 36 from pulmonary edema, 4.06% were affected with abruptio placentae and 103 suffered from HELLP syndrome. Similarly, the neonatal complications revealed that 27 fetuses died to mothers’ PIH, 111 suffered from asphyxia (5.78%) at the time of birth and 13 infants were abnormal and had different congenital anomalies. Practical implication: It emphasized the need for improved prenatal care, early detection of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and meticulous management of the condition in order to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, especially in high prevalence regions such as Pakistan. Conclusion: The frequency of PIH in Pakistan was high (13.70%) and women had a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. With good prenatal care and continuous monitoring of the mother and fetus, perinatal outcomes including maternal morbidity and infant mortality can be avoided. Keywords: Asphyxia; Hypertension; Neonatal mortality; Perinatal outcomes.

Pattern of Presentation and Management of Ectopic Pregnancy in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening complication of the first trimester of pregnancy that arises in 1.3 – 2.4% of all pregnancies.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of ectopic pregnancy and to evaluate the clinical presentation, risk factors and management outcomes of ectopic pregnancies.&#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of ectopic pregnancies managed at Dhaka Community Medical College Hospital during the period of January 2013 to December 2017. Total 70 cases of ectopic pregnancies were included. The medical records of the patients managed for ectopic pregnancies were retrived and data were collected from registers. The relevant data were analyzed with simple descriptive statistics and presented in frequency chart and tables.&#x0D; Results: Total 70 cases of ectopic pregnancies were managed during the study periods which constituted 3.6% of all gynaecological admissions. Most of the patients (35.7%) were between 25 – 29 years age group. It was most common in multiparae with a percentage of 85.7% . The commonest (92.9% ) clinical presentation was abdominal pain. Almost 14.3% were in a state of shock at admission. Among the identified risk factors 28.6% had a previous history of induced abortion and 22.9% had pelvic inflammatory disease. Out of 70, 60 patients (85.7%) had ruptured ectopic pregnancies, 4 (5.7%) were unruptured and 5 (7.1%) produces a complex tubo-ovarian mass. Only 1(1.4%) case was presented early &amp; treated with intramuscular methotrexate injection. Surgery by open method in the form of salpingectomy 64(91.4%) and salpingo-oophorectomy 5(7.1%) were the mainstay of management. No maternal mortality found in this series.&#x0D; Conclusions: Since ectopic pregnancy remains a gynaecological catastrophe in developing countries and a major challenge to the reproductive performance of women worldwide, it should be considered a relevant public health issue. Early diagnosis, identifying of underlying risk factors and timely intervention in the form of conservative or surgical treatment will help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2021; Vol. 36(1): 28-32

The effect of impaired glucose metabolism on IVF-ET pregnancy outcome with endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial cancer

ObjectiveImpaired glucose metabolism, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity, is a high-risk factor for the development of endometrial cancer (EC). Most previous studies evaluated the safety and effectiveness of fertility preservation (FP) for endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and EC patients were from the perspective of oncology or case reports. The study aims to evaluate the effect of glucose metabolic status on clinical pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in infertile patients with endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial cancer. MethodsThis retrospectively analysis included the data from patients who underwent IVF-ET after fertility preservation (FP) with endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrial carcinoma, and primary infertile patients with normal endometrium (NE) but the fallopian tubal factors or pelvic adhesions who underwent IVF-ET during the same period as control group. All the patients were further divided into the following four subgroups: A: FP+ impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) (N = 20); B: FP+ normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (N = 29); C: NE+ IGM (N = 130); and D: NE+ NGT (N = 98). The main research outcome measure was the live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer (ET) cycle. Student's t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparisons. The least significant difference (LSD) test was used for pairwise comparison between multiple groups. ResultsThe differences in anti-Mullerian hormones (AMH) and body mass index (BMI) between the four groups were significant. As BMI increased, the total dose of gonadotropin (Gn) during the controlled ovarian stimulation in the IGM group was significantly higher than that in the NGT group. The LBR was 16.7%, 26.3%, 41.6%, and 45.3% in the four subgroups (p = 0.033), respectively. By multivariate Logistic analysis, it was found that in FP group, IGM (OR = 1.501, 95% CI: 1.045–2.154, p = 0.028) was an independent risk factor for IVF-ET. ConclusionIGM was negatively affected by the LBR after endometrial complete response (CR) from early-stage endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia. It was essential for the early detection and control of insulin resistance with metformin.

Effects of female body mass index on pregnancy during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

To investigate the effect of different body mass index (BMI) on transplantation and pregnancy outcomes during assisted reproductive therapy (ART). This study assessed the data on embryo transplantation from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2021, at the Hangzhou Women's Hospital. According to the women's BMI, they were divided into three groups: the overweight, normal weight, and overweight groups. The differences in general clinical data, embryo transfer, pregnancy outcome and newborn birth weight were analyzed. There was no difference in clinical pregnancy rate between the three groups, but a positive correlation between multiple pregnancy rates and BMI in the fresh cycle was observed. Although there was no significant difference in live birth rates among the three groups (p = 0.291), the average birth weight of newborns among the three groups was different (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean birth weight of a single fetus was positively correlated with maternal BMI, and the mean birth weight of twins was lower than that of single twins (p < 0.001). The BMI of women treated with ART did not affect clinical pregnancy outcomes and live birth rates after embryo transfer, but differences in preterm birth rates and newborn birth weight were observed.

Immunohistochemistry of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Integrin αVβ3 in Mouse Endometrium Following Kisspeptin-54 Ovulation Trigger.

Kisspeptin (KP) is a group of hypothalamic neuropeptides encoded by KISS-1 gene. KP-54, a 54-amino-acid peptide, helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and plays a potential role in implantation. C57BL/6J female mice were superovulated via intraperitoneal injection of 5 International Units (IU) pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (day 1). Forty-eight hours later, mice (5/group) were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (group A), 5IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (group B), or 3nmol KP-54 (group C). On day 7, mice were euthanized and uteri excised to create paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sections that were immunostained for the implantation markers: leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αVβ3 (ITG αVβ3). Slides were scored for intensity of staining in endometrial glandular epithelium (GE) and stromal cells (SCs) via histoscore (H-score). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons. LIF expression was significantly higher in GE and SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .009 for both), but only higher than hCG trigger group in SCs (P = .009). Meanwhile, ITG αVβ3 expression was significantly higher in SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .028). In conclusion, using KP-54 as an ovulation trigger resulted in higher expression of the implantation markers LIF and ITG αVβ3 in mice endometrium compared to hCG or placebo. This suggests a potential role for KP-54 trigger in improving embryo implantation in clinical IVF. However, further studies are needed to correlate these results with clinical implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes.

Gut Microbiota-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids Are Associated with Clinical Pregnancy Outcome in Women Undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET: A Retrospective Study.

Gut microbiota and its metabolites are related to the female reproductive system. Animal experiments have demonstrated the relationship between gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and embryo quality. However, few studies have linked SCFAs to clinical pregnancy outcomes in humans. This retrospective cross-sectional study recruited 147 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) (70 with no pregnancies and 77 with clinical pregnancies). The association between SCFAs levels and clinical pregnancy outcomes was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The association between SCFAs and metabolic parameters was analyzed using a linear regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for assessing the efficiency of SCFAs to evaluate the clinical pregnancy outcomes. Fecal propionate levels were significantly higher in the no pregnancy group than in the clinical pregnancy group (p < 0.01). Fecal acetate and butyrate levels were not significantly different between females with and without clinical pregnancies (p > 0.05). There were positive relationships between fecal propionate levels and fasting serum insulin (FSI) (r = 0.245, p = 0.003), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.276, p = 0.001), and triglycerides (TG) (r = 0.254, p = 0.002). Multivariate analyses determined that fecal propionate (OR, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.045-1.164; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for no pregnancies. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of fecal propionate was 0.702 (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 57.1% and a specificity of 79.2%. High fecal propionate concentration has a negative association on clinical pregnancy outcomes and is positively correlated with FSI, TG, and HOMA-IR.

Endometrial Staining of CD56 (Uterine Natural Killer), BCL-6, and CD138 (Plasma Cells) Improve Diagnosis and Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes in Unexplained Infertility and Recurrent IVF Failures: Standardization of Diagnosis with Digital Pathology.

In women with unexplained infertility (UI) and recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures, the etiology is often unclear. Endometrial immune perturbations and the use of immune markers associated with these dysregulations are of great interest in the diagnosis and treatment of UI. However, reliable biomarkers and standardized quantification methods are lacking. Here, to address endometrial immune dysregulation in UI patients with recurrent IVF failures, we performed endometrial tissue sampling and immunostaining of CD56 (uNK), CD138, and BCL-6. Of these cases, 57.9% had positive CD56 in the endometrial stroma, while 46.1% had positive BCL-6 in the glandular epithelium, and 14.5% of the cases were found to be positive for CD138. Combined staining rates were 60.5%, 68.4%, and 71.05% for (CD56 or BCL-6), (CD56 or CD138), and (CD56, BCL-6, or CD138), respectively. There was a significant correlation between CD56 and BCL-6 positivity, while CD138 positivity was an independent parameter. After the recommended targeted therapy, pregnancy rates were found to increase from 58.5% to 61.6% and 73.8% in CD56-positive, (CD56- or BCL-6-positive), and (CD56-, BCL-6-, or CD138-positive) cases, respectively. Notably, a retrospective evaluation of digital pathology and light microscopy results showed a significant correlation. This study suggests that the examination of CD56, BCL-6, and CD138 in the same endometrial sample may be an effective method in determining the etiology of UI and reaching an early diagnosis and treatment options. Moreover, digital pathology can be used in the evaluation of CD56 and BCL-6 to provide objective, rapid, and reliable results.

Impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis on IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment and frozen embryo transfer

Although numerous studies have attempted to establish the relationship between adenomyosis and infertility, no consensus has emerged. Our aim was to investigate whether adenomyosis and endometriosis affected IVF outcomes in our patients. This was a retrospective study of 1720 patients from January 2016 to December 2019. In total, 1389 cycles were included: 229 cycles in the endometriosis group (group E), 89 cycles in the adenomyosis group (group A), 69 cycles in the endometriosis and adenomyosis group (group EA), and 1002 cycles in the control group (group C). Most patients in groups A and EA received GnRH agonist treatment before FET. The 1st FET live birth rates (LBR) were 39.3%, 32.1%, 25% and 48.1% in groups E, A, EA, and C. The miscarriage rates were 19.9%, 34.7%, 39%, and 17.6%. The per retrieval cycle cumulative live birth rates (cLBRs) in patients < 38 y/o were 56.4%, 58.1%, 44.8%, and 63%. The per retrieval cycle cLBRs in patients ≥ 38 y/o were 25%, 9.8%, 17.2%, and 29.5%. Among groups A and EA, LBRs were 25.58% and 18.89% in patients with a ≥ sevenfold decrease and a < sevenfold decrease in CA-125 level, respectively, after GnRH agonist treatment. Endometriosis was not associated with a poorer pregnancy outcome. Patients with adenomyosis with/without endometriosis had higher miscarriage rates, lower LBRs, and lower cLBRs, especially in patients aged ≥ 38 years, even after GnRH agonist treatment before FET cycles. Patients who have a greater than sevenfold decrease in CA-125 level after GnRH agonist treatment might have better clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of electroacupuncture on pregnancy outcome in poor ovarian response patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ovarian reaction, egg and embryo quality, as well as pregnancy rate in poor ovarian response (POR) patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Ninety-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an EA group and a control group, with 48 cases in each group. Before IVF-ET, the patients in the EA group received EA, once daily, 2 or 3 treatments a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and clinical pregnancy rate were assessed in two groups. The concentrations of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinsing hormone, estradiol, progesterone and anti-mullerian hormone were detected by chemiluminescence; the contents of serum insulin-like growth factor-1, serum inhibin B (INHB) and Kisspeptin in follicular fluid were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the antral follicle counting (AFC) was detected by color Doppler ultrasonography; and the egg and embryo conditions were observed under microscope. Fourteen days after embryo transfer, the positive rate of serum hemchoriconic gonadotropin (HCG) and clinical pregnancy rate were calculated. After the treatment, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were reduced (P<0.05); the INHB in serum and AFC were increased (P<0.05) when compared with those before the treatment in the EA group. After the treatment, in comparison with the control group, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were lower (P<0.05); and the contents of serum INHB, AFC, the numbers of MⅡ eggs and high-quality embryos, as well as serum HCG positive rate were all increased (P<0.05) in the EA group. EA can relieve the clinical symptoms of TCM in POR patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing IVF-ET, increase the ovarian reserve, reduce the serum FSH level, and improve the content of serum INHB, and the quality of eggs and embryos. This therapy tends to improve the clinical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy outcome.

Analysis of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes in twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction of different subtypes

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of different types of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) pregnant women under expectant management, including the natural evolution, typing conversion and perinatal outcomes. Methods: The clinical data of 153 pregnant women with sIUGR under expected treatment in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2014 to December 2018 were collected. Maternal characteristics including maternal age, gravidity, parity, method of conception, pregnancy complication, gestational age at delivery, indication for delivery, birth weight, the rate of intrauterine and neonatal death and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Pregnant women with sIUGR were divided into three types according to end-diastolic umbilical artery flow Doppler ultrasonography, and the differences of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes of sIUGR pregnant women based on the first diagnosis were compared. Results: (1) Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes: among 153 pregnant women with sIUGR, 100 cases (65.3%) were diagnosed with type Ⅰ, 35 cases (22.9%) with type Ⅱ, and 18 cases (11.8%) with type Ⅲ. There were no significant differences in age, conception mode, pregnancy complications, first diagnosis gestational age, characteristics of umbilical cord insertion, delivery indications, fetal intrauterine mortality and neonatal mortality among three types of sIUGR pregnant women (all P>0.05). The average gestational age at delivery of type Ⅰ sIUGR was (33.5±1.9) weeks, which was significantly later than those of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ [(31.3±1.8), (31.2±1.1) weeks, P<0.001]. The percentage disordance in estimated fetal weight (EFW) of type Ⅰ sIUGR was significantly lower than those of type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (P<0.001). The incidence rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cerebral leukomalacia and respiratory complications of both fetus and necrotizing enterocolitis of large fetus in type Ⅰ were significantly lower than those in type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (all P<0.05). (2) Typing conversion: in 100 cases of type Ⅰ sIUGR, 18 cases progressed to type Ⅱ and 10 cases progressed to type Ⅲ. Compared with 72 stable type Ⅰ sIUGR, those with progressed type Ⅰ sIUGR had higher incidence of NICU admission and lung disease in both fetuses, and cerebral leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis in large fetus (all P<0.05). The proportion of inconsistent cord insertion was significantly higher in those type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅲ (6/10) than in those with stable type Ⅰ (19.4%, 14/72) and type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅱ sIUGR [0 (0/18), P=0.001]. Four cases of type Ⅱ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases reversed to type Ⅲ. Compared with type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅰ sIUGR, those stable type Ⅱ and type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅲ sIUGR had a higher incidence of NICU admission in large fetus (P<0.05). Two cases of type Ⅲ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases progressed to type Ⅱ. There were no significant differences in fetal serious complications in type Ⅲ sIUGR with or without doppler changes (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The different types of sIUGR could convert to each other. The frequency of ultrasound examinations should be increased for patients with the type Ⅰ sIUGR, especially when the percentage discordance in EFW is substantial or with discordant cord insersion.

Effect of BMI on the value of serum progesterone to predict clinical pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI cycles: a retrospective cohort study.

Numerous research have investigated the predictor role of progesterone (P) level on the human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day of assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. However, the relationship of progesterone levels on hCG day to clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles for patients with different BMI groups is still elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects of progesterone elevation on triggering day on clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) of IVF/ICSI cycles in patients with different female BMI. We conducted a retrospective cohort study included 6982 normal-weight parents (18.5Kg/m2≤BMI<25Kg/m2) and 2628 overweight/obese patients (BMI≥25Kg/m2) who underwent fresh day 3 cleavage embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles utilizing GnRH agonist to control ovarian stimulation. The interaction between BMI and P level on triggering day on CPRs was significant (p<0.001). The average level of serum P was reduced with the increase in maternal BMI. Serum P adversely affected CPR in distinct BMI groups. In the normal weight group, CPRs were decreasedas serum P concentrations gradually increased (p<0.001 for overall trend). The CPRs (lower than 65.8%) of progesterone level > 1.00 ng/ml on triggering day were significantly lower than that (72.4%) of progesterone level <0.5 ng/ml. In the overweight/obese group, CPRs showed a decrease statistically with progesterone levels of ≥2.00 ng/ml compared to progesterone levels of <0.5 ng/ml (51.0% VS. 64.9%, p=0.016). After adjusting for confounders, progesterone elevation (PE) negatively correlated with CPRs only in the normal weight group (OR: 0.755 [0.677-0.841], p<0.001), not in the overweight/obese group (p=0.063). Women with higher BMI exhibited a lower progesterone level on triggering day. Additionally, PE on hCG day is related to decreased CPRs in GnRH agonist IVF/ICSI cycles with cleavage embryo transfers regardless of women's BMI level (normal weight VS. overweight/obesity).

The Effect of Uterine Contractions on Fertility Outcomes in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Cohort Study.

The relationship between uterine peristalsis before embryo transfer and the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) has not been properly investigated. In this study, the effect of uterine contractions on embryo implantation in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles was investigated to determine whether the frequency of uterine contractions can be used as a quantitative marker to assess endometrial receptivity. In this cohort study of 68 eligible FET candidates, one hour before embryo transfer (ET), frequency of uterine contractions was assessed with transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients were followed up for 20 weeks. The association between FET outcomes including clinical pregnancy, abortion, and ectopic pregnancy with uterine contractions was evaluated. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between clinical pregnancy outcomes in different groups. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Of 68 patients, 25 (36.8%) experienced clinical pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression for omitted confounders (age, BMI, duration, type and cause of infertility) revealed that patients with uterine peristaltic wave frequency less than 2≤ wave/min had higher chance of successful pregnancy compared to those with ≥4 wave/min (odds ratio: 10.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-79.4, p=0.019). The Pearson's correlation showed a statistically significant relationship between the frequency of uterine contraction and endometrial thickness (r= 0.42, p=0.002). Patients with uterine peristalsis of <4.0 wave/min before embryo transfer had a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy compared with those with higher contraction frequencies. It seems that measuring uterine contraction frequency before embryo transfer might help to predict pregnancy outcomes.

The influence of polycystic ovary syndrome on abortion rate after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection fresh cycle pregnancy

There are many reports on clinical pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients receiving vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but little research about abortion has been done and there is a debate on whether the abortion risk increases in PCOS patients receiving IVF/ICSI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigated the abortion in PCOS patients. Clinical data of 12055 IVF/ICSI fresh cycles performed in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were collected. Based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria of PCOS and after propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline data of clinical pregnancy cycles, matched 599 PCOS (PCOS group) and Non-PCOS (non-PCOS group) cycles were obtained. Abortion and abortion-related outcomes were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for late abortion in twins were analyzed using binary Logistics regression. Post-PSM data showed that the late abortion rate was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the non-PCOS group only in twin pregnancy (9.50% vs. 3.96%, OR: 2.55, 95%CI 1.10–5.89). There were no statistical differences in other pregnancy outcomes. The etiological distribution for late abortion were not statistically different between the two groups in both singletons and twins. Logistics regression indicated that PCOS and obesity [pregnancy-assisted body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28] were risk factors for late abortion in twin pregnancy. In twin pregnancy, PCOS and obese patients are more likely to have late abortion. In twin pregnancy, the late abortion risk significantly increased in the PCOS patients as compared with non-PCOS patients (OR: 2.59, 95%CI 1.11–6.03, P < 0.05), as well as in the patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28) as compared with the patients with normal BMI (OR: 4.17, 95%CI 1.59–10.90, P < 0.05). PCOS does not significantly affect early and overall late abortion rates after IVF/ICSI fresh cycle pregnancy.

Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbs combined with bioelectrical stimulation on patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis type thin endometrium: a retrospective observational study.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbs (TCH) combined with bioelectrical stimulation (BES) on patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis type thin endometrium. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with thin endometrium, treated in our hospital from August 2019 to August 2021. The clinical data of the patients were reviewed, and 60 eligible patients were categorized into two groups based on the treatment they received: the TCH-BES group (n=30, patients received Femoston, TCH and BES treatment) and the control group (n=30, patients received Femoston only). The endometrial thickness (EMT), uterine artery resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI), serum reproductive hormone levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and clinical pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were compared. Continuous data were described as mean ± standard deviation (X- ± S). Student's t-test was used for comparison between the two groups and paired-sample t-test was used for comparison within the same group before and after the treatment. A total of 60 patients with thin endometrium, aged 20-35 years (average, 31.67±3.19 years), were included in this study. After the treatment, the EMT, E2 and progesterone (P) levels of the TCH-BES group were higher than that of the control group (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), the PI, RI level and TCM syndrome scores of the TCH-BES group were lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). The clinical efficacy and pregnancy rate in the TCH-BES group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). TCH combined with EBS has a satisfactory efficacy on patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis type thin endometrium, and improves EMT, E2 and P levels, reduces PI, RI and TCM syndrome, and eventually leads to a favorable clinical pregnancy outcome.

Analysis of the clinical outcomes of microbial contamination caused by environmental contamination of the embryology laboratory during IVF-ET treatment cycles

BackgroundBacterial contamination may cause loss of or damage to cultured oocytes or embryos, resulting in the lack of transplantable embryos during IVF embryo culture. However, there are few reports about IVF embryo contamination caused by embryology laboratories. In this work, we evaluated clinical pregnancy outcomes and the risk of maternal and infant complications after embryo contamination caused by environmental pollution during IVF.MethodsThe authors retrospectively analyzed 2490 IVF-ET ovulation induction therapy cycles in the Reproductive Center of Yichang Central People's Hospital from January 2015 to May 2022. According to the presence or absence of embryo culture medium contamination, the two groups were divided into an embryo contamination cycle and a nonembryo contamination cycle. The primary outcome parameters were the characteristics and progress of embryo culture medium contamination. Embryo laboratory outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, and maternal and infant complications were secondary outcome parameters.ResultsOne case of embryo contamination originated from semen contamination. The remaining 15 cases involved environmental contamination outbreaks in embryo culture chambers, caused by Staphylococcus pasteuri. Compared with conventional uncontaminated IVF cycles, the 15 cases of contaminated embryo cycles showed no significant difference in embryo laboratory outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, or maternal and infant complications except for a slightly higher rate of fetal growth retardation. Ultimately, 11 live-born infants were successfully delivered, of which 2 were premature. The remaining 4 patients did not become pregnant after 1–2 transfers due to a lack of transferable embryos.ConclusionWhen the embryo culture medium is contaminated due to the environmental contamination of the IVF culture room, it is feasible to perform daily rapid rinsing of the culture medium and avoid blastocyst culture as remedial treatment. However, the long-term impact on offspring needs further prospective research.