In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancy Rates Research Articles

Extracellular vesicle-packaged PKM2 from endometriotic stromal cells promotes endometrial collagen I deposition by inhibiting autophagy in endometriosis

Aberrant endometrial collagen I deposition during the implantation window impairs endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization, which may contribute to lower pregnancy rate in endometriosis (EMs) patients with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of eutopic aberrant endometrium collagen I deposition in EMs remains unclear. In this study, we found increased endometrial collagen I and defective decidualization in the mid-secretory phase of EMs patients, while the level of eutopic ESCs' autophagy was decreased, which was an important mechanism of intracellular collagen degradation. Lower ESCs' autophagy level may cause the endometrial collagen I deposition in EMs. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro studies showed that the extracellular vesicles derived from the ectopic ESCs of EMs patients (EMs-EVs) encapsulated higher PKM2 inhibited autophagy of the ESCs accompanied by an increase of collagen I. We also found that the constructed EMs-EVsAd-PKM2 with PKM2 overexpression inhibited ESCs' autophagy by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. And the expressions of PKM2, p-Akt and p-mTOR were also increased in the endometrium of EMs patients. Collectively, these data showed that EMs-EVs delivering PKM2 inhibited autophagy inducing aberrant endometrial collagen I deposition via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to impair decidualization, which provided a potential therapeutic target for improving the IVF pregnancy rate in EMs patients.

Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19 vaccination, especially vaccines that mimic the structure of the COVID-19 virus (mRNA vaccines), may be wrongly assumed to be disrupting factors affecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. This study aims to evaluate any significant impact of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing IVF to improve vaccine compliance and promote COVID-19 eradication. This was a systematic review study. We searched studies published between 2020 and 2022 using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, PMC, and CINAHL. Selected studies were carefully analyzed to review the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on IVF outcomes. Seven retrospective and prospective cohort studies, which involved 3232 female patients undergoing IVF, who also received full doses of COVID-19 vaccinations (mRNA), were included. All studies in the present review showed that despite presenting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after vaccination, there were no significant differences in IVF outcomes, implantation rates, and pregnancy rates. Contrary to the theory that presumed cross-reactivity between anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the human syncytin-1 protein could affect syncytiotrophoblast formation and embryo implantation. The present review concluded that COVID-19 vaccination does not result in any detrimental effects on IVF outcomes and is safe for women undergoing IVF treatment. The results of our study are important to tackle misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccination and infertility that may cause vaccine hesitancy in women of reproductive age.

What is the impact of endometriosis and the AFS stage on cumulative pregnancy rates in IVF programs?

BackgroundEndometriosis is commonly observed in infertile women and can be staged with regard to severity [e.g. according to the American Fertility Society (AFS) classification]. This condition can cause infertility through impaired oocyte quality, fertilization disorders, tubal lesions, adhesions, deep infiltration, and adenomyosis. Although women with endometriosis often turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, the literature data on IVF outcomes are sometimes contradictory (i.e. the same as in other etiologies of infertility, or worse). The objective of the present study was to assess and compare pregnancy rates in women with and without endometriosis and according to the endometriosis stage.MethodsWe retrospectively studied clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates in IVF and the cumulative pregnancy rates after frozen/thawed embryo transfers, in women without endometriosis (group A) or with endometriosis (group B). We further compared groups in which endometriosis was staged according to the revised AFS classification: stage 1/2 (group C), stage 3/4 (group D, without endometrioma), and endometrioma alone (group E).ResultsWe documented 430 cycles in group A and 460 in group B (including 56 in group C, 88 in group D and 316 in group E). After fresh or frozen/thawed embryo transfers, the differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between groups A and B were not significant. However the cumulative rates per couple were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group D.ConclusionsWe recommend IVF for women with endometriosis because the pregnancy rates are similar to those observed for women with other types of infertility. This approach is in line with the international guidelines issued by assisted reproductive technology societies. These results again raise the question of whether surgical resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (stage 3/4) should be recommended before admission to an IVF program.Trial registration This study was approved by an institutional review board (CPP Ouest VI, Brest, France): reference: B2020CE.43

Ten years of invitro fertilization in Indonesia: Access to infertility care in a developing country.

This research was conducted to assess access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the current status of the invitro fertilization (IVF) program that have been implemented in Indonesia over the last 10 years. We established a retrospective cohort study and descriptive analysis of the current state of access to infertility care in Indonesia. The data were collected from all IVF centers, clinics, and hospitals in Indonesia from 2011 to 2020, including the number of IVF clinics, total ART cycles, retrieved fresh and frozen embryos, average age of IVF patients, IVF pregnancy rate, and causes of infertility. The number of reported fertility clinics in Indonesia has increased from 14 clinics in 2011 to 41 clinics by 2020. As many as 69 569 ART cycles were conducted over the past 10 years, of which 51 892 cycles used fresh embryos and 17 677 cycles used frozen embryos. The leading cause of consecutive infertility diagnosis was male infertility. Nearly half of the women who underwent IVF procedures (48.9%) were under 35 years old. The pregnancy rate outcome of women who underwent IVF ranged from 24.6% to 37.3%. Developments in ART in Indonesia have led to improvements in the ART cycles performed throughout the 10 year period. The identification of key areas that require improvement can provide an opportunity to enhance access to infertility care.

Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled study.

To explore the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 130 patients with PCOS admitted to our hospital from April 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the research subjects. They were evenly divided according to a random number table method. The control group received routine care for the patients, while the study group received comprehensive care for the patients. The IVF, pregnancy outcomes, negative emotional changes, serum and follicular fluid (FF) amyloid-related protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of the 2 groups of patients were compared. The data on IVF rate and pregnancy rate in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < .05). The SAS and SDS scores of the study group patients after intervention were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). After intervention, the levels of serum and FF amyloid associated protein and CRP in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Patients with PCOS who receive comprehensive care can increase their probability of IVF, improve their pregnancy outcomes, and have a positive significance in reducing negative emotions.

Effects of sperm processing techniques on IVF pregnancy rates: a mini-review.

Many factors associated with assisted reproductive technologies significantly influence the success of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) either directly or indirectly. These factors include sperm processing techniques, egg retrieval, intrauterine artificial insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and embryo transfer. Among these technologies, sperm quality is one of the most critical factors for a successful IVF pregnancy. The method used for sperm processing plays a crucial role in determining the quality of sperm. Several widely used sorting techniques, such as conventional swim-up, density gradient centrifugation, magnetic activated cell sorting, and hyaluronic acid, have been extensively compared in various studies. Previous studies have shown that each sperm processing method causes varying degrees of sperm damage, particularly in sperm motility, concentration, morphological features, viability, and DNA integrity. However, sperm processing techniques have been developed slowly, and the impact of these methods on pregnancy rates is still unclear. Further exploration is needed. In this review, we aim to compare the results of different sperm processing techniques concerning sperm quality and IVF pregnancy rates. We will also discuss possible clinical approaches, such as microfluidics and integrated approaches, for testing and improving sperm quality.

The Association of Sperm DNA Fragment and Assisted Reproductive Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective To analyze the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods Literature search was conducted on English databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase to obtain eligible studies. Results A total of 11 cohort studies were included and analyzed using the random effects model. The results illustrated that the IVF fertilization rate (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.77-1.14, P = 0.61), pregnancy rate (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.57-1.21, P = 0.32), and live birth rate (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.16-1.80, P = 0.31) in the high DFI group were statistically insignificant with those in the low FI group. The correlations between DFI and ICSI fertilization rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52-1.18, P = 0.25), pregnancy rate (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.74-1.06, P = 0.18), and live birth rate (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.70-1.14, P = 0.36) were also not statistically significant. Conclusion This study has observed no significant correlation between sperm DFI and assisted reproductive outcomes. Multicenter large-sample clinical trials are required to conclusively determine the impact of DNA damage on the clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction.

Pre-Treatment Physical Activity Could Positively Influence Pregnancy Rates in IVF despite the Induced Oxidative Stress: A Cohort Study on Salivary 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine.

(1) Background: This study was designed to define whether pretreatment habitual physical activity (PA)-induced oxidative stress (OS) influences outcome measures by using 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in saliva samples of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). (2) Method: In this cohort study, samples were obtained from 26 patients (age: 34.6 ± 5.5 years, BMI: 25.3 ± 5.1, infertility: 51.0 ± 28.7 months) before the treatment and a follow-up of outcome measures of IVF/ICSI. The 8-OHdG was evaluated by Abcam’s ELISA (ab201734), PA patterns by GPAQ-H and ActiGraph GT3X; (3) Results: The number of matured oocytes was positively influenced by the GPAQ-H recreation MET (R2 = 0.367, F = 10.994, p = 0.004; β = 0.005, p = 0.004, B Constant = 4.604) and a positive significant relationship (R2 = 0.757, F = 17.692, p < 0.001, B Constant = 1.342) was found with GPAQ-H recreational PA MET (β = 0.004, p < 0.001), and Grade 1 embryos and higher very vigorous activity (GT3X) were accompanied (R2 = 0.958, F = 408.479, p < 0.001) by higher ß-hCG levels (β = 63.703, p ≤ 0.001). Unanticipated positive correlation between 8-OHdG and ß-hCG level (R = 0.467, p = 0.028) was noticed, and there were significant differences in 8-OHdG in biochemical pregnancies (pregnant: 54.82 ± 35.56 ng/mL, non-pregnant: 30.06 ± 10.40 ng/mL, p = 0.022) as well. (4) Conclusions: Pretreatment PA could positively influence reproductive performance in IVF/ICSI despite the induced OS. However, a more sensitive biomarker and the recommended amount of activity should be further investigated.

Effects of COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccine type, and vaccination interval on IVF pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples.

PurposeThis study aimed to explore whether the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination of both partners in infertile couples, different types of COVID-19 vaccines, and the interval between complete vaccination and oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer (ET) affect the quality of embryos and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study, comprising 735 infertile couples conducted between December 6, 2021, and March 31, 2022, in a single university hospital-based IVF center. The patients were divided into different groups according to the vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples, type of vaccine, and interval between complete vaccination and IVF treatment. The embryo quality and pregnancy rates were compared among different groups.ResultsThe results showed that embryo quality and pregnancy rates had no significant differences among different groups. The multivariate regression model showed that the vaccination status of both infertile couples, types of vaccines, and intervals had no significant effects on the clinical pregnancy rate.ConclusionsThe vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples, different types of vaccines, and time intervals have no effect on embryo quality and pregnancy rates in IVF. This is the first study to compare the vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples and the impact of different vaccine types on pregnancy rates and embryo quality in detail. Our findings provide evidence of vaccine safety for infertile couples wishing to undergo IVF treatment. This evidence is crucial for decision-making by clinicians and policymakers involved in IVF cycles.

Sperm Activation with Pentoxifylline Is Beneficial For Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Patients Using Testicular Sperm before Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sperm activation with pentoxifylline (PF) for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients that underwent testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Methods: A total of 457 patients with 457 TESA- ICSI cycles who identified no motile spermatozoa under through scrutiny were included and divided into two groups. 121 cycles without PF treatment were recorded as control group. The other 336 cycles with PF treatment were recruited as PF group. The two groups were compared for demographics, routine parameters of IVF treatment, pregnancy rates, and neonatal outcomes. Results: The rates of fertilization, 2PN fertilization, D3 oocyte utilization and good-quality embryo in PF group were significantly higher than the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, PF significantly reduced the total fertilization failure cycle rate, rate of cycles with no transferable embryo and the mean ICSI time per oocyte when compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Although no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rates and live birth rate (P &gt; 0.05), significantly increased cumulative live birth rate were found in the PF group (P &gt; 0.05). Neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups, and no congenital anomalies were reported in the two groups. Conclusion: Sperm activation with pentoxifylline is beneficial for NOA patients who underwent TESA- ICSI treatment. However, further research with larger groups of couples to assess the long-term effect were still required.

Endometrial Osseus Metaplasia during Infertility Evaluation: A Case Series

Aims: To highlight the pathogenesis of endometrial osseus metaplasia, its importance as a rare cause of infertility and the benefit of hysteroscopic evaluation of infertile women with risk factors for osseus metaplasia.&#x0D; Presentation of Case: A diagnosis of endometrial osseus metaplasia was confirmed histologically in three women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy as part of infertility evaluation. They all had chronic vaginal discharge and a preceding history of induced second trimester abortion. Two of the patients were referred for evaluation before in-vitro-fertilization (IVF). Hysteroscopy was done with a 30° telescope, initially using a 2-channel diagnostic sheath, which was later replaced with a 4-channel operating sheath for tissue retrieval.&#x0D; Discussion: Endometrial osseus metaplasia is a rare condition characterized by the presence of mature or immature bone in the endometrial cavity. Endometrial retention of embryonic tissue following an abortion is the commonest theory of etio-pathogenesis. It is an important cause of infertility and while other causes of infertility can be easily by-passed in an IVF cycle, endometrial factors may not be addressed by IVF alone, as a defective endometrium is a risk for failure. Although there is no consensus on routine hysteroscopy for women undergoing IVF, it is the mainstay of evaluation and treatment of women with endometrial osseus metaplasia.&#x0D; Conclusion: Only complete removal of metaplastic tissue would restore fertility, in patients with osseus metaplasia. Hysteroscopy done in infertile women with risk factors for endometrial osseus metaplasia may enhance early treatment and ultimately increase successful spontaneous and IVF pregnancy rates.

SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION TEST IN ADDITION TO GENERAL SEMEN TEST MAY LEAD TO ELUCIDATION OF POTENTIAL FACTORS FOR PREDICTING IVF OUTCOMES

Female factors are very important in determining the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, many reports have shown that male factors also affect the success or failure of IVF. Therefore, the sperm evaluation is important, semen examination criteria based on conventional methods alone is not a primary factor of consideration for determining IVF embryonic potential, pregnancy rates, and miscarriage rates after transplantation. We performed and analyzed the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and general semen test based on the WHO criteria and compared the two using semen factors. This study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. A total of 134 male patients with the main complaint of infertility who requested semen testing were included. We evaluate sperm motility using an automatic sperm analyzer based on the WHO criteria and sperm morphology via the Kruger test (general semen tests). DFI and general semen test were conducted in accordance with the WHO criteria, and correlations between the two tests were investigated. The WHO criteria were set as the cutoff value for each of the following factors: fluid volume, concentration, motility, and normal morphology, and compared with the DFI results. The mean age of the 134 patients at the time of the sperm tests was 38.8±6.0 years (range=26-52 years). The subjects had a mean DFI of 15.6±11.5% and the DFI increased with age (r=0.2319, p<0.01). In contrast, the concentration, motility, and normal morphology decreased as the DFI increased (concentration; r=-0.1992, p<0.05; motility; r=-0.2672, p<0.01; normal morphology; r=-0.2881, p<0.001). Patients who satisfied the WHO criteria in terms of sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology had a significantly lower DFI than the group that did not satisfy the criteria (concentration p<0.05; motility p<0.01; normal morphology p<0.01). Therefore, evaluation with a general semen test based on the WHO criteria should be regarded as a qualitative evaluation of all factors other than fluid volume. Male infertility due to DFI should be suspected when in vitro fertilization results are poor despite normal semen findings based on the WHO criteria. The results of this study suggest that the DFI test may be an important evaluation in follow-up semen analyses.

Effects of intrauterine autologous platelet-rich plasma infusions on outcomes in women with repetitive in vitro fertilization failures: a prospective randomized study

Purpose: Evaluation of the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing platelet-derived growth factor on in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure patients. Methods: In this clinical trial, 80 eligible patients (infertile women with at least two IVF failures) were randomly assigned into two groups, including patients who received an intrauterine infusion of PRP (n: 40) and controls (n: 40). Before PRP therapy, standard hormone replacement therapy was performed for all patients to endometrial thickness preparation. After sonographic assessment of endometrium, PRP was injected into all patients’ endometrium whether they had an appropriate endometrial thickness or not. Then, the embryo transferring was done through IVF. Eventually, the consequences of fertility, embryo implantation, and pregnancy were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: The rate of successful IVF [6 (15%)], pregnancy rate [5 (12.5%)], and live birth [5 (12.5%)] were relatively higher in patients undergoing PRP therapy compared with controls [2 (5%), 1 (2.5%) and 0, respectively]. However, their statistical difference was not significant between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that endometrial injection of platelet-rich plasma for IVF failure patients did not significantly improve the IVF process, pregnancy, and live birth rates.

More to the story than sperm: pregnancy rates with in vitro fertilization in same-sex female couples

For same-sex female (SSF) couples, assisted reproductive technology (ART) is prevalent as a means to family building. These couples may face significant burdens in finding insurance coverage for ART, choosing a sperm donor, and taking on the second parent adoption process in many states. Previous reports have compared pregnancy success rates using intrauterine insemination (IUI) between the general infertility population and members of same-sex female couples and have shown up to 67% cumulative pregnancy rates over 12 cycles.1 Of all evolving assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF) provides the best overall chance of pregnancy. Additionally, IVF lends the unique opportunity for both members of a SSF couple to have involvement in treatment as either oocyte source or recipient. In order to best treat same-sex female couples, a population-specific criteria for prognosis should be established for IVF. The success of SSF in IVF treatment compared to the general infertility population is not yet established. We sought to determine if there exists a difference in IVF pregnancy rates between members of SSF couples and the general heterosexual infertility population. Retrospective chart review at a private infertility center. All IVF treatment cycles performed on patients in SSF relationships from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Both fresh and frozen transfers were identified, and we divided the data set into 2 groups, for female patients in same-sex and heterosexual couples. A binomial test was used to analyze the data using SPSS 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 205 treatment cycles were identified: 51 transfer cycles (42 frozen and 9 fresh) for SSF and 154 treatment cycles for heterosexual population (115 frozen and 39 fresh). Baseline characteristics between the SSF group and control group were the same, with a mean age in the SSF couples of 35.9 years old compared to 37.5 in the heterosexual group (p > 0.05). We found that the clinical pregnancy rate in the SSF population was significantly lower than the heterosexual patient population (39.2% vs. 55.8%, p = .025). Our analysis shows that patients in same-sex female relationships do not show a higher pregnancy rate with ART than the general infertility population. Given that this population showed a higher pregnancy rate with IUI than the general infertility population, we had expected a higher pregnancy rate with IVF as well. This data can be utilized to establish clinical guidelines in managing patient expectations about the outcomes of their treatment. Treating physicians need to look at SSF couples trying for pregnancy with ART with a very open mind when it comes to exploring all possibilities for care and exercise caution to not assume better pregnancy outcomes with IVF among this population. ART has the power to redefine modern family-building; a realistic view of all reproductive options can empower same-sex female couples to make the best treatment choices possible.

Evaluation of "Energy Resonance by Cutaneous Stimulation" Among Women Treated by In Vitro Fertilization.

Pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on many factors, such as the characteristics of the couple and the clinicobiological parameters. Interest in alternative and complementary medicine (ACM) for IVF is discussed because of the lack of scientific evidence. Energy resonance by cutaneous stimulation (ERCS), an acupuncture-like technique, consists of skin stimulation to transmit vibratory messages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ERCS on live birth rates (LBRs) in IVF. A prospective observation study was performed in the Unit of Assisted Reproductive Technologies of a University Teaching Hospital. Every woman who agreed to participate in this study and received a fresh embryo transfer (ET) after IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) was included. Patients randomly underwent an ERCS session on the day of ET according to the schedule of the midwife performing this technique. The control group consisted of women undergoing ET under usual conditions. The main outcome measure was the LBR per transfer. Three-hundred-eighteen women were included, 120 in the ERCS + ET group and 198 in the ET without ERCS group. None of the women dropped out. The clinical characteristics in both groups were comparable. There was a significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rates, 31.7% in the ERCS group versus 21.7% in the No ERCS group (p = 0.037). The LBR in the ERCS group was nearly significantly higher, 29.2% versus 20.7% in the No ERCS group (p = 0,059). Women undergoing ERCS on the day of ET had a significantly higher IVF pregnancy rate. However, this methodology made not possible to draw conclusions about the mechanisms that induced the increase of IVF LBRs: placebo effect, "cocooning," or ERCS self-effect? Further well-conducted studies are strongly needed to assess ERCS efficacy.

Outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection after preinstillation of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist in the uterine cavity just before embryo transfer.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) injection prior to embryo transfer on implantation and pregnancy rate.Materials and Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy with and without GnRHa preinstallation into the uterine cavity just before embryo transfer between January 2012 and March 2013 in a single IVF center of a university hospital. Patients were evaluated based upon implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates.Results:GnRHa was injected into the uterine cavity of 108 patients prior to embryo transfer which were regarded as study group. One thousand forty-seven patients who were not injected GnRHa were regarded as the control group. Pregnancy rates were 44.4% and 41.7% in the GnRHa and control groups, respectively. Live birth rates were 27.8% and 26.1%, miscarriage rates were 15.7% and 15.7%, and implantation rates were 31% and 30%, respectively and there were no difference between groups statistically (p>0.05).Conclusion:No statistically significant differences in implantation, pregnancy, live birth, or miscarriage rates were observed in patients treated with GnRHa prior to embryo transfer, relative to the controls. Therefore, GnRHa injection into the uterine cavity prior to embryo transfer is not recommended as a means of increasing implantation or pregnancy rates in IVF. However, prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to clarify the effect of GnRHa instillation in the uterine cavity for embryo implantation in IVF.

Effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on clinical outcomes for Chinese couples undergoing invitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on the fertilization rate, embryo development and pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a cohort of Chinese couples.MethodsInfertile couples that had undergone assisted reproductive technology at our centre between January 2011 and December 2013 were included in this retrospective study. Fractions of prepared sperm samples were evaluated for sperm DNA fragmentation on the day of oocyte recovery.ResultsOf the 550 couples selected, 415 had undergone IVF and 135 ICSI. Sperm DNA fragmentation rate was significantly negatively correlated with the fertilization rate in the ICSI cycles but not the IVF cycles. No association was found between sperm DNA fragmentation and cleavage rate or good quality embryo formation rates in IVF or ICSI cycles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the sperm DNA fragmentation rate was a statistically significant prognostic indicator of the clinical fertilization rate in ICSI cycles; a rate > 22.3% was associated with a lower fertilization rate following ICSI compared with a rate ≤ 22.3%.ConclusionsHigh values of sperm DNA fragmentation were associated with a low fertilization rate following ICSI but were not associated with alterations in pregnancy or live birth rates in either ICSI or IVF in this cohort of Chinese couples.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in repeated IVF failure, a randomized trial

Recent studies have revealed key roles for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) in embryo implantation process and maintenance of pregnancy, and some studies showed promising results by using local intrauterine infusion of GCSF in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial included 112 infertile women with repeated IVF failure to evaluate the efficacy of systemic single-dose subcutaneous GCSF administration on IVF success in these women. In this study, the Long Protocol of ovarian stimulation was used for all participants. Sealed, numbered envelopes assigned 56 patients to receive subcutaneous 300 µg GCSF before implantation and 56 in the control group. The implantation (number of gestational sacs on the total number of transferred embryos), chemical pregnancy (positive serum β-HCG), and clinical pregnancy (gestational sac and fetal heart) rates were compared between the two groups. This trial is registered at www.irct.ir (IRCT201503119568N11). The successful implantation (18% vs 7.2%, P=0.007), chemical pregnancy (44.6% vs 19.6%, P=0.005), and clinical pregnancy (37.5% vs 14.3%, P=0.005) rates were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. After adjustment for participants' age, endometrial thickness, good-quality oocyte counts, number of transferred embryos, and anti-Mullerian hormone levels, GCSF treatment remained significantly associated with successful implantation (OR=2.63, 95% CI=1.09-6.96), having chemical pregnancy (OR= 2.74, 95% CI=1.11-7.38) and clinical pregnancy (OR=2.94, 95% CI=1.23-8.33). In conclusion, administration of single-dose systemic subcutaneous GCSF before implantation significantly increases the IVF success, implantation, and pregnancy rates in infertile women with repeated IVF failure.

Debating Elective Single Embryo Transfer after in vitro Fertilization: A Plea for a Context-Sensitive Approach.

The number of embryos transferred after in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been a topic of debate for over a decade now. Due to the risk associated with multiple pregnancy, there has been a global effort at reducing the multiple pregnancy rates to a minimum while maintaining an acceptable level of successful IVF pregnancy rate. Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is advocated in most European countries. In Belgium and Sweden, eSET is mandatory for couples with a good prognosis. However, despite clinical recommendations and policy statements, patients in clinical practice frequently do request for the transfer of multiple embryos in order to have twins. Such requests conflict with policy guidelines and create an ethical dilemma for physicians: Should the physician do as the couple requests, and there with respect the autonomy of patients, or adhere to medical policy that takes the health of the mother and children at heart? This article provides an exploration of the arguments found in the literature that plays a role in the discussion on this topic and eventually argues that what a physician should do depends on the specificities of the context in which patients and physicians are implicated. These contextual issues can be taken into account in a shared decision-making procedure, which allows reflections and the responsibilities of both patients and physicians to be attended in decision about assisted reproduction.

Effects of anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels on in vitro fertilization pregnancy rate

ObjectivesTo analyze the relationship between in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rate and basal serum hormone levels before patients begin an IVF course. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed patients with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) data and IVF data from January 2009 to October 2012. Pregnancy rates were calculated by AMH and follicle stimulating hormone quartiles and analyzed using the independent samples t test. Furthermore, patients were divided into three groups by age. The Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the parameters and IVF pregnancy rates. ResultsFrom the 910 IVF treatment courses, 377 (41.4%) clinical pregnancies resulted. The pregnant and nonpregnant groups differed significantly in age and FSH and AMH levels. The pregnancy rate was 53.3% for patients aged <32 years and 22.1% for patients aged >38 years. The pregnancy rate was 53.4% for patients with FSH levels <5.6 mIU/mL and 25.8% for patients with FSH levels >8.9 mIU/mL. The pregnancy rate was 56.8% for patients with AMH levels >4.0 ng/mL and 20.0% for patients with AMH levels <1.1 ng/mL. Furthermore, among patients aged <40 years, AMH and FSH were significantly associated with pregnancy rate. Higher pregnancy rates were found among the groups with higher AMH levels than in groups with lower AMH levels. ConclusionFor patients aged <40 years, basal serum AMH level and FSH level affected the IVF pregnancy rate, and patients with higher AMH levels had better pregnancy rates.