Oocyte Retrieval Cycles Research Articles

Premature ovarian insufficiency patients with viable embryos derived from autologous oocytes through repeated oocyte retrievals could obtain reasonable cumulative pregnancy outcomes following frozen-embryo transfer.

Women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are often discouraged from using autologous oocytes; however, some patients have a strong desire to be genetically linked to their offspring. In the present study, we aimed to estimate cumulative pregnancy outcomes following frozen-embryo transfer (FET) in POI patients who could obtain viable embryos with their eggs during in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. In this matched-retrospective cohort study, only patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments with a freeze-all strategy were screened, and 103 POI patients were matched with 515 normal controls in terms of the same number of viable embryos obtained at the same age. The primary outcome was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) following FET per patient. Patients with POI and normal ovarian reserve had comparable CCPRs of 62.14% (64/103) and 65.24% (336/515), respectively (P=0.547), and no statistical difference was found in the cumulative live-birth rate (CLBR) between the study group (43.69%) and the control group (53.01%). Based on binary logistic regression, the CCPR and CLBR showed no association with the type of ovarian function (POI or normal ovarian reserve). The number of embryos per transfer and the sum of all viable embryos per patient were positively associated with the CCPR and CLBR. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per FET cycle was 38.17% for the study group and 52.1% for the control group, while the CPRs per oocyte retrieval cycle in the 2 groups were 11.25% and 69.9%, respectively, and both were statistically different (P<0.05). Moreover, POI patients had a lower implantation rate (27.8% vs. 37.94%) and a higher early miscarriage rate per transfer (26.76% vs. 15%) than patients in the control group (P<0.05). Cumulative pregnancy outcomes following FET were reasonable for POI patients using viable embryos derived from autologous oocytes through repeated oocyte retrievals.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) of Trophectoderm Biopsy for Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) Patients: a Retrospective Study

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an intrigue condition during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. The purpose of this retrospective study is to explore the value of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) of trophectoderm biopsy in the clinical outcomes for RIF patients with advanced age. A total of 265 RIF patients, who underwent 346 oocyte retrieval cycles and 250 PGT-A cycles, were classified as two groups according to the female age, including < 38 and ≥ 38 years old groups. The two groups were statistically comparable in baseline characteristics. The component of aneuploid embryos was significantly higher in advanced age group than in younger age group (68.9 vs 39.9%, P < 0.001). But there were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy rate (43.5 vs 64.7%), clinical pregnancy rate (39.1 vs 48.0%), implantation rate (39.1 vs 51.0%), and miscarriage rate (4.3 vs 7.8%) per embryo transfer (ET) between the two groups. Results suggest that the embryo-related factor plays a crucial role in RIF. Maternal age does not influence the implantation potential of euploid blastocysts. The NGS-based PGT-A involving trophectoderm biopsy is valuable for RIF patients of advanced age by improving their clinical outcomes. In conclusion, the NGS-based PGT-A involving trophectoderm biopsy may represent a valuable supplement to the current RIF management. Nonetheless, these findings should be further validated in a well-designed randomized controlled trial.

Cumulative live birth rates do not increase after 4 complete cycles in women with poor ovarian response: a retrospective study of 1,825 patients

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the cumulative clinical pregnancy rates (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) increase as the oocyte retrieval cycle increases in women with poor ovarian response.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNot applicable.Patient(s)Women diagnosed of poor ovarian response (POR) according to the Bologna criteria and who completed in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles between January 2014 and December 2018.Intervention(s)Not applicable.Main Outcome Measure(s)The conservative and optimistic estimations of CCPR and CLBR.Result(s)The conservative and optimistic estimates of CCPR peaked at the 6th complete cycle, reaching 36.44% and 71.61%, respectively. However, the conservative and optimistic estimates of CLBR peaked at the 4th complete cycle, reaching 20.22% and 38.31%, respectively. The live birth rate per complete cycle of mild stimulation protocol was comparable to other protocols after adjusting for the confounding factors. For patients ≤35 years, the live birth rate per complete cycle of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (adjusted odds ratio = 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.87) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (adjusted odds ratio=0.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.24–0.81) were significantly lower than that of the mild stimulation.Conclusion(s)It is not advisable to initiate more than four complete cycles for POR patients since CLBR do not increase after that. For POR patients ≤35 years, the live birth rate per complete cycle increased in women with mild stimulation protocol.

A multi-centre, retrospective case series of oocyte cryopreservation in unmarried women diagnosed with haematological malignancies.

STUDY QUESTIONIs oocyte cryopreservation an applicable option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies?SUMMARY ANSWEROocyte cryopreservation via the vitrification method is accessible and may be considered an option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYHaematological malignancies are most commonly observed amongst adolescent and young adult women. Although the survival rate and life expectancy of those with haematological malignancies have improved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may impair their reproductive potential. Oocyte cryopreservation is thus an ideal option to preserve their fertility.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis study retrospectively evaluated 193 unmarried patients (age: 26.2 ± 0.4 years) with haematological malignancies, who consulted for oocyte cryopreservation across 20 different fertility centres in Japan between February 2007 and January 2015. The primary outcome measures were the oocyte retrievals and oocyte cryopreservation outcomes. The secondary outcome measures were the outcomes following oocyte warming for IVF.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe patients had commenced ovarian stimulation cycles via antagonist, agonist, natural and minimal methods for oocyte retrievals, defined according to the treatment strategy of each respective fertility centre. A vitrification method using the Cryotop safety kit was used for oocyte cryopreservation. ICSIs were used for insemination of warmed oocytes. The endometrial preparation method for embryo transfer was hormonal replacement therapy, except in the case of a patient who underwent a spontaneous ovulatory cycle.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEAmong 193 patients, acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 45, 23.3%) was most common, followed by acute lymphoid leukaemia (n = 38, 19.7%) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 30, 15.5%). In total, 162 patients (83.9%) underwent oocyte retrieval, and oocytes were successfully cryopreserved for 155 patients (80.3%). The mean number of oocyte retrieval cycles and cryopreserved oocytes were 1.7 ± 0.2 and 6.3 ± 0.4, respectively. As of December 2019, 14 patients (9.2%) had requested oocyte warming for IVF. The survival rate of oocytes after vitrification-warming was 85.2% (75/88). The rates of fertilisation and embryo development were 80.0% (60/75) and 46.7% (28/60), respectively. Ten patients (71.4%) had successful embryo transfers, and seven live births (50.0%) were achieved.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThis study was limited by its retrospective nature. Additionally, there remains an insufficient number of cases regarding the warming of vitrified oocytes to reliably conclude whether oocyte cryopreservation is effective for patients with haematological malignancies. Further long-term follow-up study is required.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSOocyte retrieval and oocyte cryopreservation were accessible for patients with haematological malignancies; however, the number of oocyte retrievals may have been limited due to the initiation of cancer treatments. Acceptable embryonic and pregnancy outcomes could be achieved following oocyte warming; therefore, our results suggest that oocyte cryopreservation can be considered an option for fertility preservation in patients with haematological malignancies.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTSThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare no conflict of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A

PGT or ICSI? The impression of NGS-based PGT outcomes in nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

This retrospective study demonstrates the clinical outcomes of patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) who underwent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) with frozen-thawed testicular spermatozoa. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) was performed for sperm retrieval. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for embryo analysis. A total of 18 couples aged ≤35 years were included, and 22 oocyte retrieval cycles were completed. Euploidy was detected in 29 of 45 (64.4%) embryos. Additionally, the numbers of aneuploid and mosaic embryos detected were 8 (17.8%) and 8 (17.8%), respectively, regardless of a lack of sex chromosome abnormalities. Finally, 13 couples with euploid embryos completed 14 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Ten couples had clinical pregnancies, and 6 of them had already delivered 5 healthy babies and 1 monozygotic twin. There were also 4 ongoing pregnancies and 2 biochemical pregnancies, but no early pregnancy loss was reported. Based on our results, we speculate that for KS patients, when sperm can be obtained by micro-TESE, the cryopreservation strategy makes the ovarian stimulation procedure more favorable for female partners. The paternal genetic risk of sex chromosome abnormalities in their offspring is extremely low in men with KS. In addition to PGT, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure is comparably effective but more economical for young nonmosaic KS couples. ICSI should be offered as an option for such couples, but monitoring by prenatal genetic diagnosis is recommended.

A comparison of pregnancy rate between natural cycle and hormone replacement cycle in patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer using 2 consecutive hormone replacement regiments: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study.

For frozen embryo transplantation patients who failed to use hormone replacement cycle (HRC) transplantation for 2 consecutive times, the third time of transplantation was divided into 2 groups: HRC and natural cycle (NC), and the pregnancy rate of the 2 groups, especially the clinical pregnancy rate, was compared.Retrospective study of 174 patients in the reproductive medicine center of an affiliated hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2015 and September 2018.The 174 patients were all infertile with regular menstruation. They had undergone 2 consecutive failed cycles of endometrial preparation with hormone replacement therapy and prepare for the third frozen embryo transplantation.A third cycle of treatment was planned using either NC or HRC for endometrial preparation. All the embryos were obtained during the same oocyte retrieval cycle. Patients were divided into groups based on the method of endometrial preparation: 98 were classified as NC and 76 as HRC.The pregnancy outcomes for the 2 groups were compared. Confounding factors that may affect clinical pregnancy rates were analyzed.We found that on the day of endometrial transformation, estrogen levels and endometrial thickness in the NC group were significantly higher than those in the HRC group. There were no significant differences in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, cumulative pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, or live birth between the 2 groups. It is concluded by binary regression analysis that the different endometrial preparation protocol have no significant effect on the CPR.NC is as effective as HRC after 2 previous cycles of HRC. Because this was a retrospective study design, selection bias is possible, although the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups of patients were matched.

Incidences and risk factors of moderate-to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and severe hemoperitoneum in 1,435,108 oocyte retrievals

Research questionWhat are the risk factors affecting the incidences of moderate-to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and severe hemoperitoneum in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycles? DesignA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1,435,108 oocyte retrieval cycles among Japanese ART registry data between 2007 and 2015. The study included 11,378 cycles with moderate-to-severe OHSS, 1182 cycles with severe hemoperitoneum, including 27 cycles with both conditions, and 1,422,575 cycles without moderate-to-severe OHSS and severe hemoperitoneum. ResultsThe incidences of moderate-to-severe OHSS and severe hemoperitoneum were 0.79% and 0.08%, respectively, and decreased by 0.57-fold and 0.29-fold from 2007 to 2015, respectively. In cycles with OHSS and cycles with hemoperitoneum women were younger (odds ratios [OR] 0.91 and 0.95, respectively) and had more retrieved oocytes (OR 1.09 and 1.01, respectively) compared with cycles without both complications. The use of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol for ovarian stimulation was the highest risk factor in cycles with OHSS and hemoperitoneum (OR 1.83 and 1.24, respectively), followed by GnRH antagonist protocol (reference), gonadotrophin with or without oral medicine (OR 0.45 and 0.56, respectively) and natural or oral medicine (OR 0.02 and 0.19, respectively). In fresh embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of OHSS and hemoperitoneum (OR 1.19 and 2.34, respectively). ConclusionsThe highest risk factors affecting OHSS and hemoperitoneum were the use of a GnRH agonist protocol and clinical pregnancy following fresh embryo transfer. The incidences of OHSS and hemoperitoneum have decreased yearly with a reduction of GnRH agonist use and fresh embryo transfer.

Strictly selected Mono- and non-pronuclear blastocysts could result in appreciable clinical outcomes in IVF cycles

The aim of the study was to examine the clinical value of blastocysts derived from mono-pronuclear (1PN) or non-pronuclear (0PN) zygotes with two polar bodies (2PB), which were selected by our criteria. We retrospectively analysed 610 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FET) cycles and the corresponding oocyte retrieval cycles from 2014 to 2017. Developmental potential and clinical outcomes of embryos derived from zygotes with various numbers of pronuclei were analysed. Based on more detailed pre-selection settings, blastulation rates of 1PN/2PB and 0PN/2PB-derived embryos were 70.18% and 69.17%, respectively. Blastocyst FET results were not significantly different between 2PN/2PB, 1PN/2PB and 0PN/2PB groups in terms of clinical pregnancy rates (59.79%, 47.06% and 56.25%), implantation rates (47.24%, 40.00% and 47.62%), live birth rates (49.39%, 29.41% and 43.75%) or malformation rates (0%, 0% and 0%). In conclusion, after strict morphological selection and blastocyst culture, 1PN/2PB and 0PN/2PB-derived embryos in IVF cycles can have considerable clinical value. Blastocysts derived from 1PN/2PB or 0PN/2PB zygotes are worthwhile FET option for patients who have no available 2PN-derived embryos.

PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC TESTING FOR ANEUPLOIDY (PGT-A) AND TIME TO PREGNANCY

The utilization of PGT-A as an adjunct to IVF remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether PGT-A decreases time to pregnancy for patients undergoing a single oocyte retrieval cycle.

A retrospective analysis of ovarian response to gonadotropins after laparoscopic unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy for hydrosalpinges.

Background and AimsWe compared the effects of unilateral and bilateral salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx on ovarian function, oocyte retrieval, and embryogenesis.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the hospital records of 109 women with unilateral hydrosalpinx and 57 women with bilateral hydrosalpinges who had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (280 oocyte retrieval cycles) between January 2011 and December 2018. We compared age at oocyte retrieval, level of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) measured within 1 year of oocyte retrieval, duration of infertility, number of previous IVF treatments, level of follicle stimulating hormone, total gonadotropin dose, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, and peak serum estrogen concentration. This study was approved by the institutional review board.ResultsOf the women with unilateral hydrosalpinx, no significant differences were observed in ovarian response, rate of fertilization or rate of blastocyst production between the 21 women (24 cycles) who had undergone unilateral salpingectomy and the 88 women (146 cycles) who had not. Of the women with bilateral hydrosalpinges, the 13 (24 cycles) who had undergone bilateral salpingectomy had slightly lower AMH levels and significantly fewer oocytes retrieved (5.5 ± 3.9 vs 8.3 ± 5.5; P = .0068) than the 44 women (86 cycles) who had not had a salpingectomy. Women who had undergone bilateral salpingectomy also had significantly lower peak serum estrogen concentrations than those who had not undergone salpingectomy (1876.1 ± 765.9 vs 2489.5 ± 1551.4; P = .009).ConclusionIn women with hydrosalpinx, bilateral salpingectomy may reduce ovarian function and response to gonadotropins, especially the number of oocytes retrieved. Unilateral salpingectomy does not have these effects.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes following preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using a matched propensity score design.

Does preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) increase the likelihood of live birth among women undergoing autologous IVF who have fertilized embryos? PGT-A is associated with a greater probability of live birth among women 35 years old and older who are undergoing IVF. Previous studies evaluating the association between PGT-A and the incidence of live birth may be prone to confounding by indication, as women whose embryos undergo PGT-A may have a lower probability of live birth due to other factors associated with their increased risk of aneuploidy (e.g. advancing age, history of miscarriage). Propensity score matching can reduce bias where strong confounding by indication is expected. We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from women who underwent autologous IVF treatment, had their first oocyte retrieval at our institution from 1 January 2011 through 31 October 2017 and had fertilized embryos from this retrieval. If a woman elected to use PGT-A, all good quality embryos (defined as an embryo between Stages 3 and 6 with Grade A or B inner or outer cell mass) were tested. We only evaluated cycles associated with the first oocyte retrieval in this analysis. Our analytic cohort included 8227 women. We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate a propensity score for PGT-A based on relevant demographic and clinical factors available to the IVF provider at the time of PGT-A or embryo transfer. We used the propensity score to match women who did and did not utilize PGT-A in a 1:1 ratio. We then used log-binomial regression to compare the cumulative incidence of embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth between women who did and did not utilize PGT-A. Because the risk of aneuploidy increases with age, we repeated these analyses among women <35, 35-37 and ≥38years old based on the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology's standards. Overall, women with fertilized embryos who used PGT-A were significantly less likely to have an embryo transfer (risk ratios (RR): 0.78; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.82) but were more likely to have a cycle that resulted in a clinical pregnancy (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28) and live birth (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.35) than women who did not use PGT-A. Among women aged ≥38 years, those who used PGT-A were 67% (RR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.13) more likely to have a live birth than women who did not use PGT-A. Among women aged 35-37 years, those who used PGT-A were also more likely to have a live birth (RR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.54) than women who did not use PGT-A. In contrast, women <35 years old who used PGT-A were as likely to have a live birth (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.78, 1.06) as women <35years old who did not use PGT-A. We were unable to abstract several potential confounding variables from patients' records (e.g. anti-Mullerian hormone levels and prior IVF treatment), which may have resulted in residual confounding. Additionally, by restricting our analyses to cycles associated with the first oocyte retrieval, we were unable to estimate the cumulative incidence of live birth over multiple oocyte retrieval cycles. Women aged 35 years or older are likely to benefit from PGT-A. Larger studies might identify additional subgroups of women who might benefit from PGT-A. No funding was received for this study. D.S. reports that he is a member of the Cooper Surgical Advisory Board. The other authors report no conflicts of interest. N/A.

Analysis of IVF/ICSI-FET Outcomes in Women With Advanced Endometriosis: Influence on Ovarian Response and Oocyte Competence.

Aims: To determine the impact of advanced endometriosis (EMS) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen–thawed embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-FET) outcomes and analyze the influencing factors.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on sterile women with ovarian endometriomas (OMAs), including patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy (n = 224, 224 IVF/ICSI cycles, 205 FET cycles) and aspiration (n = 139, 139 IVF/ICSI cycles, 148 FET cycles); peritoneal EMS (n = 96, 96 IVF/ICSI cycles, 89 FET cycles); and tubal factors (n = 360, 360 IVF/ICSI cycles, 474 FET cycles). Our main outcomes included the number of MII oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, the number of viable embryos, viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved in oocyte retrieval cycles, and clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, live birth rate per transfer, and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate of this oocyte retrieval cycle in FET cycles. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to generate a prediction model for cumulative clinical pregnancy.Results: The results showed that significantly fewer MII oocytes retrieved and viable embryos and lower viable embryo rate and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate were observed in women with EMS compared with the control. Women with peritoneal EMS had lower fertilization rate and viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved than patients with OMA (all p < 0.05). However, the pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between the two phenotypes. The patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy had fewer MII oocytes retrieved and viable embryos compared with those with intact endometrioma(s) but no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between the two types of OMA patients. By binary logistic regression analysis, antral follicle count (AFC) was found to be an independent factor associated with cumulative clinical pregnancy in this oocyte retrieval cycle (odds ratio = 1.054; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.100; p = 0.014), and the AFC prediction model of cumulative clinical pregnancy was established, with an area under the curve of 0.60.Conclusions: Our data supported that advanced EMS has negative effect on cumulative clinical pregnancy per oocyte retrieval cycle, and AFC is an independent predictor, which is mainly caused by poor ovarian response associated with OMA per se or its surgery and the damage of peritoneal EMS to oocyte maturation.

Does fresh single embryo transfer outcome predict the result of a subsequent vitrified–warmed blastocyst of the same cohort?

Reflecting the current trends, the utilization of frozen-thawed transfer cycles has been steadily increasing worldwide; outcome predictors of these cycles are therefore a major research goal. Our aim was to investigate whether the outcome of a fresh single blastocyst transfer (SBT) can serve as a prognostic factor for the subsequent vitrified–warmed SBT originating from the same cohort. A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single unit. Non-donor fresh cycles were analyzed as predictors of the following vitrified–warmed cycle. Only SBTs were included. Cycles designated to a freeze-all policy and cycles involving pre-implantation genetic analysis were excluded. A total of 1127 vitrified–warmed single blastocyst cycles were included. The indications for artificial reproductive technologies were comparable across the study groups. Vitrified–warmed cycles following a live birth outcome in the fresh cycle were more likely to result in a clinical pregnancy than those following a fresh cycle, which failed to reach a live birth. The same trend was observed for live birth rate following vitrified–warmed transfer in the fresh cycle. After correcting for possible confounders, age and embryo quality were significantly correlated with the chance for a live birth, but the previous fresh cycle did not affect the results. We therefore conclude that after adjustment for age, embryo quality and number of previous oocyte retrieval cycles, the fresh cycle outcome was not a significant influential factor for the following vitrified–warmed cycle.

Erratum: Assisted reproductive technology service availability, efficacy and safety in mainland China: 2016.

Study question What is the current status of assisted reproductive technology (ART) service availability, efficacy and safety in mainland China? Summary answer In this first national report on ART status in mainland China, data on treatment numbers, outcomes and complications in 2016 are provided and analyzed, respectively. What is known already National ART Service Provision Surveys are conducted in mainland China regularly. Data were analyzed, and this manuscript was written by team members from the National Center for Women and Children's Health, China CDC and the Department of Women and Children Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Study design, size and duration A cross-sectional nationwide survey was completed in 2018, in which data regarding ART treatments, performed from 1st January to 31st December2016 in 445 ART clinics located in 31 provinces of mainland China, were collected. Participants/materials, setting and methods There were in total 451 licensed ART clinics (including artificial insemination clinics) in mainland China in 2016, of which 445 submitted service data. A total of 906 840 cycles were provided by 323 in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics, involving 375 770 conventional IVF cycles, 154 948 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, 367 146 frozen embryo transfer (FET) thawing cycles and 8976 preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) treatment cycles. A total of 161 376 artificial (i.e. intrauterine) insemination (AI) cycles were reported by 443 clinics, with 126 872 cycles using the husband's semen (AIH) and 34 504 using donor semen (AID). Main results and the role of chance In total, 98.7% of the licensed clinics, contributing to 100% of the ART services (including AID and AIH cycles), were included in this report. (Six clinics provided institutional information only and were excluded.) There were 906 840 in vitro fertilization cycles performed in mainland China with a population of over 1.3 billion inhabitants, with cycles per million inhabitants (C/M) increasing from 360 in 2013 to 657 in 2016, nationwide (range among provinces: 45-3676). After treatment with conventional IVF, the clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per oocyte retrieval cycle was 23.2%, the delivery rate (DR) per oocyte retrieval cycle was 18.7% and the proportion of twin delivery among the total deliveries was 27.9%. For ICSI cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 20.5%, 16.7% and 27.2%, respectively. For FET per thawing cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 48.2%, 37.6% and 24.2%. For PGD per diagnosis cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 38.1%, 29.7% and 4.2%. For AIH cycles, the PR and DR were 13.3% and 10.5%; for AID cycles, the PR and DR were 24.3% and 21.1%, respectively. The total number of live infants born in mainland China in 2016, was 18.46 million, and the number of infants born through ART conducted in 2016 was 311 309, which accounted for 1.69% of the total. The reported rate of birth defects was about 87/10 000. The incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS) was 11.5 per 1000 oocyte retrieval cycles, and other complications were much more rare. Limitations and reasons for caution This report is based on the summary data of ART services provided. The success rates were not calculated by age stratification. A low rate of birth defects was reported, which might be confounded by variations in birth follow-up methods, statistical timing and record taking. Wider implications of the findings ART service availability has improved significantly in recent years in mainland China. Because China is a vast country, significant imbalances in ART service provision do exist; however, the main efficacy and safety indicators were close to those of western countries. Trial registration number N/A. Study funding/competing interest(s) The study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFC1000307-2). There are no competing interests.

Predictors of live birth rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve.

To investigate the chance of live birth after several oocyte retrieval cycles in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and identify the possible predictors. A retrospective analysis of 931 patients with DOR who underwent in vitro fertilization at a university hospital in China between January 2012 and December 2014. All data for fresh and the associated frozen-thawed embryo transfer attempts were analyzed. Conditional and cumulative live birth rates (LBRs) were calculated. Mediation and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of live birth. Conditional LBRs remained around 10.0% in the first five cycles. Conservative cumulative LBRs (CLBRs) reached 22.0% after three cycles and increased to 24.8% after six cycles; optimal CLBRs increased from 12.9% to nearly 50.0% after six cycles. Patient age and the number of good-quality embryos were two key predictors in determining the conditional and conservative LBRs. For patients with DOR, conditional LBR remained constant in the first five cycles, and patients should be encouraged to continue to three or five completed cycles to maximize their chance of live birth. Patient age and the number of good-quality embryos were two key factors to predict live birth.

Live birth after in vitro maturation versus standard in vitro fertilisation for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised clinical trial

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the first common cause of anovulatory infertility. Currently, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is recommended when conventional attempts have failed. In vitro maturation (IVM) of human...

Assisted reproductive technology service availability, efficacy and safety in mainland China: 2016.

What is the current status of assisted reproductive technology (ART) service availability, efficacy and safety in mainland China? In this first national report on ART status in mainland China, data on treatment numbers, outcomes and complications in 2016 are provided and analyzed, respectively. National ART Service Provision Surveys are conducted in mainland China regularly. Data were analyzed, and this manuscript was written by team members from the National Center for Women and Children's Health, China CDC and the Department of Women and Children Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. A cross-sectional nationwide survey was completed in 2018, in which data regarding ART treatments, performed from 1st January to 31st December2016 in 445 ART clinics located in 31 provinces of mainland China, were collected. There were in total 451 licensed ART clinics (including artificial insemination clinics) in mainland China in 2016, of which 445 submitted service data. A total of 906 840cycles were provided by 323 in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics, involving 375 770 conventional IVF cycles, 154 948 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, 367 146 frozen embryo transfer (FET) thawing cycles and 8976 preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) treatment cycles. A total of 161 376 artificial (i.e. intrauterine) insemination (AI) cycles were reported by 443 clinics, with 126 872cycles using the husband's semen (AIH) and 34 504 using donor semen (AID). In total, 98.7% of the licensed clinics, contributing to 100% of the ART services (including AID and AIH cycles), were included in this report. (Six clinics provided institutional information only and were excluded.) There were 906 840 in vitro fertilization cycles performed in mainland China with a population of over 1.3 billion inhabitants, with cycles per million inhabitants (C/M) increasing from 360 in 2013 to 657 in 2016, nationwide (range among provinces: 45-3676). After treatment with conventional IVF, the clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per oocyte retrieval cycle was 23.2%, the delivery rate (DR) per oocyte retrieval cycle was 18.7% and the proportion of twin delivery among the total deliveries was 27.9%. For ICSI cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 20.5%, 16.7% and 27.2%, respectively. For FET per thawing cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 48.2%, 37.6% and 24.2%. For PGD per diagnosis cycles, the PR, DR and TDR were 38.1%, 29.7% and 4.2%. For AIH cycles, the PR and DR were 13.3% and 10.5%; for AID cycles, the PR and DR were 24.3% and 21.1%, respectively. The total number of live infants born in mainland China in 2016, was 18.46 million, and the number of infants born through ART conducted in 2016 was 311 309, which accounted for 1.69% of the total. The reported rate of birth defects was about 87/10 000. The incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS) was 11.5 per 1000 oocyte retrieval cycles, and other complications were much more rare. This report is based on the summary data of ART services provided. The success rates were not calculated by age stratification. A low rate of birth defects was reported, which might be confounded by variations in birth follow-up methods, statistical timing and record taking. ART service availability has improved significantly in recent years in mainland China. Because China is a vast country, significant imbalances in ART service provision do exist; however, the main efficacy and safety indicators were close to those of western countries. N/A. The study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFC1000307-2). There are no competing interests.

Success rates in minimal stimulation cycle IVF with clomiphene citrate only.

To determine age-adjusted overall success rates for patients undergoing clomiphene citrate only minimal stimulation cycle (mini) in vitro fertilization (IVF) without any gonadotropin administration. Eight hundred thirty-nine women (mean age: 38.4 ± 0.1years; 2488cycles) underwent clomiphene citrate only mini-IVF. Their first oocyte retrieval was between January 2009 and December 2009, with follow-up until December 2014. The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per oocyte retrieval cycle started and live birth rate per oocyte was retrospectively analyzed. The basic CLBR was calculated as the number of women who achieved a live birth divided by the total number of women who started oocyte retrieval. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was 1.5. The basic CLBRs for all ages after the first and third cycles were 22.6% and 39.2%, respectively. For ≤ 34years, 35-37years, 38-40years, 41-42years, and ≥ 43years, CLBRs after the first and third cycles were 42.5% and 70.1%, 32.9% and 49.1%, 20.0% and 38.6%, 12.6% and 25.2%, and 4.4% and 8.8%, respectively. These rates had a significant relationship with age (P < 0.01). The LBR per oocyte for all ages was 9.6%. Acceptable overall IVF success rates can be achieved in clomiphene citrate only mini-IVF, as well as acceptable LBR. The CLBRs and LBRs per oocyte are evidently influenced by women's age.

Cumulative probabilities of live birth across multiple complete IVF/ICSI cycles: a call for attention.

To call attention to the fact that cumulative live birth (LB) proportions exhibit an inverted pattern to that displayed by each individual oocyte retrieval cycle (ORC-specific LB proportions) as well as when grouping together all the ORCs undergone by a woman (TNORC-specific LB proportions). A retrospective study of 1433 infertile women that had a LB using autologous fresh or frozen embryos and/or dropped out of IVF/ICSI treatment after completing a maximum number of three treatment cycles. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and standard and landmark Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were applied. A standard Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that cumulative LB proportions rose as number of ORCs increased (0.320, 0.484, and 0.550 at ORC 1, 2, and 3, respectively). In contrast, landmark ORC-specific LB proportions showed an inverted pattern (0.320, 0.242, and 0.127 at ORC 1, 2, and 3, respectively). GEE models revealed that women's clinical outcomes decreased as TNORCs increased. In particular, compared to women that experienced just one ORC, women that underwent two and three ORCs displayed higher incidences of cycle cancellations before either oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer, and clinical pregnancy losses, and lower odds of LB. Infertile women should be informed that cumulative LB probabilities exhibit an inverted pattern to that displayed by each individual ORC as well as when grouping together all the ORCs undergone by a woman.

Oocyte Cryopreservation in Oncological Patients: Eighteen Years Experience of a Tertiary Care Referral Center.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to report our experience on elective women fertility preservation before cancer treatment.Study Design: This is a single-center retrospective observational study, including all patients who underwent elective fertility preservation before oncological treatment between January 2001 and March 2019 at our Institute.Results: Of a total of 568 women who received fertility counseling, 244 (42.9%) underwent 252 oocyte retrieval cycles after controlled ovarian stimulation for cryopreservation. The majority of patients were diagnosed with breast cancer (59.9%), followed by women affected by Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (27.4%). A minority comprised patients diagnosed with other malignancies that affected soft tissues (2.8%), ovary borderline type (2.4%), digestive system (1.6%), leukemia (1.6%), uterine cervix (1.2%). The remaining 3.1% were affected by other cancer types. The mean age of the cohort was 31.3 ± 6.4 years and the mean oocyte retrieval was 13.5± 8.4. Of 11 women who returned to attempt a pregnancy, three performed two thawed cycles. We obtained four pregnancies from 24 embryo transfers (Pregnancy Rate 36.4% for couple): two miscarriages and two live births. Overall, 95.7% of oocytes are still in storage.Conclusions: A close collaboration between Cancer and Fertility Center in a tertiary care hospital is essential to provide a good health service in oncological patients. Offering fertility preservation is no longer considered optional and must be included in every therapeutic program for women who receive an oncological diagnosis in their reproductive age. Oocyte cryopreservation appears to be a good opportunity for fertility preservation. Our results, although they are obtained in a small sample, are encouraging, even if only 4.5% of patients returned to use their gametes.