Poor Ovarian Reserve Research Articles

Expression of ADR-α1, 2 and ADR-β2 in cumulus cell culture of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome and poor responder who are a candidate for IVF: the novel strategic role of clonidine in this expression

Objective Alpha and beta-adrenoceptors (ADR-α1, 2, and β2) play a regulatory role in the folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovarian follicles. This study aimed to measure these adrenoceptors mRNA and its protein levels in cumulus cells (CCs) culture of poor ovarian reserve (POR) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) infertile women (IVF candidate) and the effect of clonidine treatment at CCs culture. Methods This case/control study was conducted in 2017 includes a control (donation oocytes) and two studies (PCO and POR) groups. The ovulation induction drugs were prescribed in all groups. After the oocyte puncture, the follicular fluid was collected and CCs were isolated were cultured. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and designed the primer for the ADR-α1, 2 and ADR-β2 gene expression. The protein levels were investigated by Western Blot. Results The results showed a high level of three adrenergic expressions in PCO women compared to the control group (p-value <.001), which can be reduced by clonidine. POR group showed a significant decrease in the gene expression of ADR-α1 (p-value = .004) and ADR-α2 (p-value = .003) compared to the control group and clonidine treatment had no effect. Conclusion The significant increase of three adrenoceptors gene expression and protein levels in CCs culture indicate to the hyperactivity of the ovarian sympathetic nervous system at the receptor levels in women with PCOS, and clonidine confirmed it by reducing this expression. In POR women, the reduction of ADR-α1, 2 expressions maybe lead to the aging process in the ovary.

ASSOCIATIONS AMONG MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, CLINICAL FACTORS AND EUPLOID BLASTOCYST FORMATION

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association among embryonic morphological parameters, clinical factors and euploid blastocyst formation. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 422 blastocysts from 135 patients who had undergone preimplantation genetic analysis after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). RESULTS Of 422 blastocysts, 200 (47.4%) were euploid and 222 (52.6%) aneuploid. Women aged older than 38 years were more likely to develop aneuploid embryos (OR: 3.4, CI: 2.2-5.4, p<0.001). Poor ovarian reserve (OR: 3.3, p<0.001), increased male age (39.0 versus 40.7, p=0.019), and decrease in sperm percentage with normal morphology (2.5% vs. 1.9%, p=0.047) were associated with aneuploidy. Type C trophectoderm (TE) and type C inner cell mass were associated with a high risk of embryo aneuploidy, with OR of 4.1 (CI: 2.2-7.7, p<0.001) and 1.7 (CI: 1.01-3.0, p=0.048), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed maternal age and type C TE as the main risk factors for aneuploidy. Among combinations of factors, the best marker for the risk of aneuploidy was maternal age older than 38 years, combined with a type-C embryo with trophectoderm, which showed a positive predictive value of 88.6% and a specificity of 97.5%. CONCLUSIONS Trophectoderm and type-C inner cell mass are the main embryo risk factors for aneuploidy, explaining approximately 71% and 60% of the risk, respectively. Among clinical factors, advanced maternal and paternal age (older than 38 and 36 years, respectively), antral follicles (<5), and a low percentage of sperm with normal morphology increased the risk of embryonic aneuploidy.

OVARIAN AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) TREATMENT IMPROVES OOCYTE AND EMBRYO QUALITY IN WOMEN WITH POOR OVARIAN RESPONSE

The application of platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a non-operative treatment is an innovative approach, introduced only recently in reproductive medicine. A few case studies have shown that intraovarian injection of PRP in women with poor ovarian reserve resulted in an increased number of MII oocytes and cleavage-stage embryos. However, little is known about the effect of autologous ovarian PRP treatment on oocyte and embryo quality. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of ovarian PRP treatment on the number and quality of oocytes and embryos in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF cycles. Prospective cohort study A total of 132 women with a history of poor ovarian response (according to the Bologna criteria) in the previous cycle(s) were included in this prospective study between June 2019 and February 2020. They were treated with ovarian autologous PRP injection in two subsequent menstrual cycles. Approximately 21 ml autologous blood obtained from peripheral vein was obtained and used to prepare PRP following standard protocols. PRP injection was performed using a 21Gx11.8 inch needle under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. Antral follicle counts (AFC) and FSH levels were determined at baseline. Biomarkers of ovarian reserve (AFC and FSH) and IVF outcome variables (fertilization rate, number and quality of MII oocytes, and the number and quality of blastocysts) were recorded and compared between the cycle before and after PRP treatment. All collected oocytes and obtained Day 5 embryos were graded morphologically (Grades 1–3; Grade 1 being highest relative quality and Grade 3 being the lowest quality of the three grades) based on the standard methods. The results were analysed using Student’s paired t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ovarian PRP treatment resulted in insignificantly lower FSH (12.6±1.46 vs. 13.8±1.55, P=0.37) and slightly higher number of mature follicles (3.4±1.8 vs. 2.8±1.5, P=0.56). There were also insignificant increases in the number of retrieved oocytes (4.71±2.6 vs. 4.63±2.8, P=0.34, respectively), fertilization rate (81 vs. 79, P = 0.81) and, consequently the total number of Day 5 embryos (3.93±0.43 vs. 3.29±0.39, P=0.23). However, the percentage of high-quality MII oocytes (67.2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.03) and the percentage of grade-I blastocysts (65.56% vs. 45.89%, P=0.05) were significantly higher after PRP treatment in comparison to the pretreatment period. In addition, the mean MII oocyte quality (1.76±0.61 vs. 2.03±0.73, P=0.05) and blastocyst quality (1.49±0.57 vs. 2.11±0.92, P=0.03) were significantly improved in the post-treatment period. The applied autologous ovarian PRP treatment is an effective approach in improving oocyte and embryo quality in poor responders. This approach may contribute to increased pregnancy rates.

Cumulative live birth rate of low prognosis patients with POSEIDON stratification: a single-centre data analysis

Research questionDoes patient-oriented strategies encompassing individualized oocyte number (POSEIDON) classification help stratify the reproductive potential of patients with low prognosis more effectively from the perspective of prognosis; and as cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) is an effect indication, how is CLBR in patients stratified using POSEIDON? DesignA retrospective cohort study of 10,615 women who underwent IVF treatment at the Peking University Third Hospital between January 2017 and December 2017. Patients were stratified according to POSEIDON criteria. Clinical characteristics, fresh embryo transfer outcomes and CLBR during the first two ovarian stimulation cycles were recorded. ResultsGonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol was the most used treatment in both ovarian stimulation cycles. After the failure of the first IVF treatment, 2063 (29.2%) women continued the second treatment, and 10.9% of them switched to the micro-stimulation protocol. Compared with the non-POSEIDON group, the CLBR of the first cycle in each POSEIDON group was lower (P < 0.001). The CLBRs of the second cycle in older patients (POSEIDON groups 2b and 4) and in younger patients with poor ovarian reserve (POSEIDON group 3) were lower than that in non-POSEIDON group (group 2b, P = 0.001; group 3, P = 0.019; group 4, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that younger patients had higher CLBR than older patients in both cycles (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe CLBRs vary among different POSEIDON groups. The results may help reproductive specialists to understand the characteristics of low prognosis patients better and to develop individualized treatment plans.

Cumulative live-birth, perinatal and obstetric outcomes for POSEIDON groups after IVF/ICSI cycles: a single-center retrospective study

Recently, perinatal outcomes and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) have widely been utilized to assess the fertility outcomes and safety of assisted reproductive technology (ART), but more robust research is needed to address the success rates of live-healthy births resulting from this procedure, particularly for patients with low prognosis. This study aims to assess and comparative perinatal outcomes and CLBR per cycle of in vitro fertilization/Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) between four groups of low prognosis characterized by POSEIDON criteria. A retrospective assessment was done among infertile women with a low prognosis undergoing IVF/ICSI at a reproductive center in China. Data were collected between January 2011 and December 2015 with a follow-up of at least two years, and censoring was defined by three-cycle completion, discontinuation, or having a live birth. Participants were grouped into 4 groups according to the POSEIDON classification (POSEIDON1, POSEIDON2, POSEIDON3, and POSEIDON4). The main outcomes were perinatal and obstetric outcomes with CLBR per cycle after IVF/ICSI procedure. And IVF/ICSI-technique outcomes as a secondary outcome. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 461 eligible participants underwent a total of 825 IVF/ICSI cycles. POSEIDON1 had the best perinatal outcomes in terms of live births (≥ 28w) (54.8%). POSEIDON4 had a higher risk for perinatal and obstetric complications with abortion rate (9.8%); LBW (11.7%), PTD (23.5%), PROM (11.7%), and gestational diabetes (17.6%). POSEIDON2 had a high rate for malpresentation (14.2%), and cesarean delivery(57.2%), while POSEIDON3 was much associated with the occurrences of placenta previa (9.3%) compared to other groups (p value = 0.001). After adjusting odds ratio by age and BMI, POSEIDON4 had the least odds for biochemical pregnancy (p value = 0.019); and the least odds for clinical pregnancy (p value = 0.001) of the four groups. CLBR per cycle was better in POSEIDON1 and increased with an increasing number of cycles in all groups during the three cycles. Conservative CLBR after three complete cycles were 77.27%, 42.52%, 51.4% and 22.34%, while optimistic CLBR were 79.01%, 51.19%, 58.59% and 34.46% in POSEIDON1 to POSEIDON4, respectively. Younger women with low prognosis and normal ovarian reserve have a higher probability for live births and better perinatal outcomes compared with older women with poor or normal ovarian reserve. Besides, young women with low prognosis, despite ovarian reserve status, can increase their probability of conception and get relatively higher CLBR by undergoing multiple cycles of IVF/ICSI. Age is therefore considered as a critical parameter in predicting the perinatal outcome and CLBR.

High‐refined carbohydrate diet leads to polycystic ovary syndrome-like features and reduced ovarian reserve in female rats

Obesity is associated with several female reproductive complications, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The exact mechanism of this relationship remains unclear. Few previous studies using diet containing refined carbohydrate (HCD) leading to obesity have been performed and it is unclear if HCD is linked with reproductive dysfunctions. In this investigation, we assessed whether subchronic HCD exposure results in reproductive and other irregularities. Female rats were fed with HCD for 15 days and metabolic outcomes and reproductive tract morphophysiology were assessed. We further assessed reproductive tract inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and fibrosis. HCD rats displayed metabolic impairments, such as an increase in body weight/adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophic, abnormal lipid profile, glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (IR) and hyperleptinemia. Improper functioning of the HCD reproductive tract was observed. Specifically, irregular estrous cyclicity, high LH levels and abnormal ovarian morphology coupled with reduction in primordial and primary follicle numbers was observed, suggesting ovarian reserve depletion. Improper follicular development and a reduction in antral follicles, corpora lutea and granulosa layer area together with an increase in cystic follicles were apparent. Uterine atrophy and reduction in endometrial gland (GE) number was observed in HCD rats. Reproductive tract inflammation, OS and fibrosis were seen in HCD rats. Further, strong positive correlations were observed between body weight/adiposity and IR with estrous cycle length, cystic follicles, ovarian reserve, GE and other abnormalities. Thus, these data suggest that the subchronic HCD exposure led to PCOS-like features, impaired ovarian reserve, GE number, and other reproductive abnormalities in female rats.

Reproductive outcomes after in vitro fertilization treatment in a cohort of Danish women transplanted with cryopreserved ovarian tissue

To evaluate ovarian stimulation regimens and reproductive outcomes in a cohort of women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT). Retrospective cohort study. University hospital and fertility clinics. Twenty-eight women undergoing OTT and invitro fertilization (IVF) from 2012 to2017. OTC, OTT, and IVF. Ovarian stimulation and IVF outcomes. In total, 99 cycles were performed in 28 patients. In 19 patients responding to stimulation, a median of 3.0 cycles per patient (range: 1-14 cycles) was performed, and 2.0 mature oocytes were retrieved per cycle. The empty follicle rate was 35.9%. Eleven women achieved 15 pregnancies, of which 60% were lost during the first or second trimester, resulting in 5 of 28 women having ≥1 live births, and seven healthy children being born. In breast cancer patients (mean age at OTC: 33.0 years), the pregnancy rates (PR) and live birth rates (LBR) were 35.0% and 5.0% per embryo transfer, respectively. Patients aged ≥34.5 years at OTC all had breast cancer and did not achieve any pregnancies. For all other diagnoses (mean age at OTC: 26.6 years), PR and LBR were 50.0% and 37.5% per embryo transfer, respectively. Collectively, 39% of patients conceived at least once, and 17.9% delivered. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) resulted in more pregnancies than did fresh embryo transfer. Our results suggest that women of advanced maternal age undergoing OTC and IVF have a poor ovarian reserve, resulting in a poor reproductive outcome. Interestingly, FET appeared to be superior to fresh transfer.

1633-P: Women with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Experience a Shorter Reproductive Period Compared with Nondiabetic Women: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study and the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

Evidence suggests that insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia may disrupt the normal function of the female reproductive system, leading to delayed menarche and premature ovarian aging. We compared the length of the reproductive period of women with T1D and women without diabetes. We assessed age at menarche and natural menopause in women with childhood-onset T1D (diagnosed in 1950-80) who participated in the Pittsburgh EDC study’s 2010-16 follow-up (where reproductive history was assessed) and nondiabetic participants from the Pittsburgh site of the SWAN study. Women who had not yet reached natural menopause, had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy before menopause or received sex hormone therapy during the menopausal transition were excluded from analyses. In EDC, covariate data were selected from the follow-up visit where chronological age was closest to the baseline age in SWAN. Reproductive history was self-reported. The Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation historical and hormonal algorithms were also used to assess menopause status. Women with T1D (n=105) were younger (42.8 vs. 46.0 yrs, p=.0003), more likely to be white (96.2% vs. 68.3%, p&amp;lt;.0001), never smokers (67.3% vs. 48.1%, p=.002), with lower BMI (25.2 vs. 26.5 kg/m2, p=.002) and higher HDL-C (61.0 vs. 53.0 mg/dl, p&amp;lt;.0001) compared with women without diabetes (n=341). Women with T1D were also older at menarche (13.3 vs. 12.6 yrs, p&amp;lt;.0001) but younger at natural menopause (50.1 vs. 51.9 yrs, p&amp;lt;.0001). Adjusting for age, race, smoking status, BMI, HDL, and number of pregnancies, T1D was associated with 3.3 (95% CI: 2.5-4.0) fewer reproductive years. The length of the reproductive period of women with T1D is shorter, having delayed menarche and earlier natural menopause, compared with women without diabetes. Factors that could be related to a shorter reproductive period in T1D should be investigated. Disclosure Y. Yi: None. S.R. El Khoudary: None. R.G. Miller: None. D. Rubinstein: None. K.A. Matthews: None. T.J. Orchard: None. T. Costacou: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (DK34818); Rossi Memorial Fund; National Institute on Aging; National Institute of Nursing Research; Office of Research on Women’s Health

Ovarian stimulation after dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in poor ovarian reserve: a randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed at improving fertility rates among infertile women with poor ovarian reserve. This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. We recruited infertile women with poor ovarian reserve. The study population was divided into 2 groups, each of 25 participants. Both had induction of ovulation for three consecutive cycles. Study group took DHEA supplementation 25mg/8h for two consecutive cycles before induction of ovulation. Both groups were compared for outcomes of induction. Baseline ovarian reserve tests and antral follicle count (AFC) were done for both groups before induction of ovulation. The study group repeated these baseline tests after DHEA treatment to compare ovarian reserve before and after DHEA supplementation. Outcome measures were the number of mature follicles at the time of ovulation, the number of gonadotrophin ampoules needed for induction of ovulation, the duration of ovarian stimulation, E2 level at the day of HCG injection. The study group baseline investigations after DHEA treatment showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the control group. The outcomes of induction of ovulation in the study group showed a statistically better response than the control group. DHEA may help many poor responders so better considered for poor responder patients. PACTR201911829230395.

Follicular Output Rate and Follicle-to-Oocyte Index of Low Prognosis Patients According to POSEIDON Criteria: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 32,128 Treatment Cycles.

ObjectiveTo investigate ovarian sensitivity in subgroups of patients with a low prognosis, as defined by the POSEIDON criteria, undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment and measures to improve ovarian sensitivity in these patients.DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis.SettingThe study was conducted at an IVF clinic in a public hospital.PatientsA total of 32,128 fresh IVF cycles from January 2014 to October 2018 at a single IVF clinic were included in the analysis. Patients with a low prognosis were categorized into four groups based on the POSEIDON criteria.InterventionsNone.Main Outcome MeasureThe primary outcome measures were the follicular output rate (FORT) and the follicle-to-oocyte index (FOI).ResultsThe FORTs in the order from the highest to the lowest were 1.18 in group 3, 0.98 in group 4, 0.76 in group 1, and 0.68 in group 2. The trend in the FOI values was consistent with that in the FORTs. Among patients with poor ovarian sensitivity, 58.41% of patients with FORTs ≥ 0.30 in the second cycle underwent an adjustment to the ovarian stimulation (OS) protocol and 41.59% underwent an adjustment to the gonadotropin (Gn) starting dose. Among patients with normal ovarian sensitivity, 43.56% of those with FORTs ≥ 0.80 in the second cycle underwent an adjustment to the OS protocol and 56.44% underwent an adjustment to the Gn starting dose.ConclusionOvarian sensitivity was the highest in group 3 (young women with poor ovarian reserve), followed by groups 4 (women at advanced age with poor ovarian reserve) and 1 (young women with good ovarian reserve), and it was the lowest in group 2 (women at advanced age with good ovarian reserve). For patients with poor ovarian sensitivity, it is preferred to recommend an adjustment to the OS protocol, while for those with normal ovarian sensitivity, adjusting the Gn starting dose is preferred.

Subchronic and Low Dose of Tributyltin Exposure Leads to Reduced Ovarian Reserve, Reduced Uterine Gland Number, and Other Reproductive Irregularities in Female Mice.

Tributyltin (TBT) chloride is an endocrine disrupting chemical associated with reproductive complications. Studies have shown that TBT targets the reproductive tract, impairing ovarian folliculogenesis, and uterine morphophysiology. In this investigation, we assessed whether subchronic and low dose of TBT exposure results in abnormal ovarian follicular reserve and other irregularities in female mice. TBT was administered to female mice (500 ng/kg/day for 12 days via gavage), and reproductive tract morphophysiology was assessed. We further assessed reproductive tract inflammation and oxidative stress. Improper functioning of the reproductive tract in TBT mice was observed. Specifically, irregular estrous cyclicity and abnormal ovarian morphology coupled with reduction in primordial and primary follicle numbers was observed, suggesting ovarian reserve depletion. In addition, improper follicular development and a reduction in antral follicles, corpora lutea, and total healthy ovarian follicles together with an increase in cystic follicles were apparent. Evidence of uterine atrophy, reduction in endometrial gland number, and inflammation and oxidative stress were seen in TBT mice. Further, strong negative correlations were observed between testosterone levels and primordial, primary, and total healthy ovarian follicles. Thus, these data suggest that the subchronic and low dose of TBT exposure impaired ovarian follicular reserve, uterine gland number, and other reproductive features in female mice.

Risk Factors Associated with Impaired Ovarian Reserve in Young Women of Reproductive Age with Crohn's Disease.

Background/AimsCrohn’s disease (CD) primarily affects young female adults of reproductive age. Few studies have been conducted on this population’s ovarian reserve status. The aim of study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with low ovarian reserve, as reflected by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women of reproductive age with CD.MethodsThis was a case-control study. Cases included 87 patients with established CD, and healthy controls were matched by age, height and weight in a 1:1 ratio. Serum AMH levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe average serum AMH level was significantly lower in CD patients than in control group (2.47±2.08 ng/mL vs. 3.87±1.96 ng/mL, respectively, P<0.001). Serum AMH levels were comparable between CD patients and control group under 25 years of age (4.41±1.52 ng/mL vs. 3.49±2.10 ng/mL, P=0.06), however, serum AMH levels were significantly lower in CD patients over 25 years of age compared to control group (P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that an age greater than 25 (odds ratio [OR], 10.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90–52.93, P=0.007), active disease state (OR, 27.99; 95% CI, 6.13–127.95, P<0.001) and thalidomide use (OR, 15.66; 95% CI, 2.22–110.65, P=0.006) were independent risk factors associated with low ovarian reserve (serum AMH levels <2 ng/mL) in CD patients. ConclusionsOvarian reserve is impaired in young women of reproductive age with CD. Age over 25 and an active disease state were both independently associated with low ovarian reserve. Thalidomide use could result in impaired ovarian reserve.

Comparison of Highly Purified HMG versus Recombinant FSH with Antagonist Protocol in Poor Responder Patients

Background:Luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation may have beneficial effect on the maturity and fertilizability of oocytes in poor ovarian reserve (POR) and may influence the progesterone level, thus increasing the pregnancy rate. However, previous studies on the effect of LH activity supplementation on poor responders have shown conflicting results. This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of two different forms of gonadotropin (highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-HMG) vs. recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH)-only) in Indonesian population.Methods: Women diagnosed with poor ovarian response who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with either HP-HMG or r-hFSH-only were investigated. Women who underwent freeze all cycles, mini stimulation, and natural stimulation were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) + human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-driven LH activity combination in HP-HMG to pregnancy event adjusting for progesterone level, demographic variables, and clinical characteristic variables.Results: A total of 101 subjects in the HP-HMG treatment group and 89 subjects in r-hFSH-only treatment group were involved in the study. There was no significant difference of clinical pregnancy rate between HP-HMG group and r-hFSH-only group (adjusted OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.39–2.25; p-value: 0.890).Conclusion: Compared to r-hFSH-only group, combination of FSH + HCG-driven LH activity in HP-HMG group had similar effectiveness in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the antagonist protocol.

Does high estrogen level negatively affect pregnancy success in frozen embryo transfer?

IntroductionHigh estrogen levels could reduce pregnancy rates by disrupting the implantation of the embryo into the endometrium in patients treated with fresh cycles of in vitro fertilization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of estrogen levels on the pregnancy and abortion rate in autologous frozen embryo transfer with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Material and methodsA historical cohort study was conducted in an academic setting to investigate the effect of estrogen levels on the pregnancy and abortion rates for all autologous artificial frozen embryo transfer cycles performed from January 2016 to January 2018. Serum estradiol levels recorded on day 2 or 3 of the cycle were stated as e1, and levels recorded on the day of progesterone were indicated as e2. Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) positivity, which was examined 14 days after the transfer, was used to evaluate biochemical pregnancy. Abortion was defined as the termination of pregnancy before the 20th gestational week.ResultsThere were 130 patients with unexplained infertility, 20 patients with poor ovarian reserve, and 54 patients with male factor. Of the patients with unexplained infertility, poor ovarian reserve, and male factor, 58, 4, and 27 of them were pregnant, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the e1 and e2 levels of the pregnant and non-pregnant groups (p = 0.273, p = 0.219). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between e2 levels in terms of the abortion rate (p = 0.722).ConclusionsIn autologous frozen embryo transfer with HRT, estrogen levels did not have a significant effect on the pregnancy or abortion rate. Therefore, estrogen levels do not need to be monitored in frozen embryo transfer with HRT.

Successful Live Birth in a Couple with Poor Ovarian Reserve and Severe Teratozoospermia (Acephalic Spermatozoa Syndrome) with ICSI and MACS Technique

Successful Live Birth in a Couple with Poor Ovarian Reserve and Severe Teratozoospermia (Acephalic Spermatozoa Syndrome) with ICSI and MACS Technique

Restart Algorithm of Infertility and IVF Procedures in Patients with Desire of Baby Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 infection, which was first detected in Wuhan region of China, spread rapidly in a short time, caused a very serious epidemic and was declared as a pandemic. This manuscript has been prepared as a recommendation for centers planning to restart assisted reproductive technology treatments to protect both patients and health personnel. To carry out the treatment, surgery and in vitro fertilization for patients who are infertile and are willing to have a child should not be victims of time loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients before or after infertility treatment are evaluated by healthcare personnel using personal protective equipment in the triage section for the symptoms and risk factors defined in the COVID-19 Infection Guideline of the Ministry of Health. Body fluids (blood, follicular fluid, semen, etc.) of the patients should be considered as potentially infectious. Samples from patients infected with COVID-19 are recommended to be used in the same way as tissues from patients who are seropositive for other infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis). Infertility treatment and IVF procedures should be evaluated multidisciplinary and managed according to the COVID-19 guidelines in patients with infertility especially in poor ovarian reserve, severe male factor infertility, advanced age and also urgent fertility preservation condition.

Ayurvedic Management of Poor Ovarian Reserve with special reference to Lowered AMH Levels-A Case Study

Ayurvedic Management of Poor Ovarian Reserve with special reference to Lowered AMH Levels-A Case Study

What is the true place of a double stimulation and double oocyte retrieval in the same cycle for patients diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve? A systematic review including a meta-analytical approach.

This systematic review including a meta-analytical approach aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of employing a double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) and a subsequent double oocyte retrieval in the same menstrual cycle, in poor ovarian reserve (POR) patients. A systematic search of literature was performed in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Library up until March 2019. Both prospective and retrospective cohort studies considered suitable for inclusion reported on women with POR undergoing a DuoStim in the follicular (FPS) and luteal phase (LPS) of the same menstrual cycle. Following the systematic review of the literature, a meta-analytical approach was attempted. This study indicates that DuoStim is correlated with a higher number of retrieved oocytes, mature MII oocytes, and good-quality embryos in comparison to conventional stimulation. Additionally, LPS seems to be correlated with an equal or an even higher overall performance in comparison to FPS. DuoStim favors an enhanced clinical outcome in regard to the total number of yielded oocytes, mature oocytes, and available embryos, along with the quality of obtained embryos. Sourced data indicate that LPS is not correlated with a higher aneuploidy rate. This option may present as promising for the time-sensitive nature of POR patients' management, by enabling a higher oocyte yield during a single menstrual cycle.

201 Correlation between metaphase II oocyte cytoplasmic granulation patterns and intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization outcome in older patients

Cytoplasmic granulation is frequently observed in human MII oocytes in fertility clinics from women requiring early egg retrieval (also called highly individualized egg retrieval, with hCG trigger at lead follicle size 16.0-18.0mm or even less) to avoid premature luteinization. Early retrieval is mostly done for older women (≥36 years old) or younger women with premature ovarian aging. However, only limited reports have focused on detailed analysis of the patterns of cytoplasmic granulation and their correlation with the quality of human oocytes. The aim of this report was to evaluate correlation between granulation patterns of human MII oocytes from early retrieval and the corresponding fertilization rates from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Each MII oocyte was imaged when ICSI was performed. The granulation pattern of each oocyte was reviewed, evaluated, and categorized by the same person as non-granulation (NG, homogeneous, sandy pattern, no granulation or granulation area &amp;lt;1/8 of total cytoplasm), central granulation (CG, ring pattern, a cluster of granules in centre with size &amp;gt;1/4 of oocyte diameter), uneven granulation (UG, sandy-rocky pattern, granulation area &amp;gt;1/8 but &amp;lt;3/4 of total cytoplasm), and dispersed granulation (DG, rocky pattern, granulation area &amp;gt;3/4 of total cytoplasm). Fertilization (pronucleus count, PN) results were then extracted from medical records and matched to the granulation categories. In total, 1759 oocytes done with ICSI in year 2018 were analysed. Fertilization (&amp;lt;2PN, 2PN or &amp;gt;2PN) rates of each group (n=381, n=1222, n=156, respectively) were calculated. Student's t-test was used for group-group comparison analysis. Compared with the NG group, the UG and CG groups had lower 2PN rates (67.2% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.001; 73.0% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.05; respectively) and the DG group had a much lower 2PN rate (43.3% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.001). The UG and CG groups had higher &amp;lt;2PN rates (24.8% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001; 24.3% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001; respectively), and the DG group had a much higher &amp;lt;2PN rate (41.1% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001) than the NG group. For &amp;gt;2PN rates, both UG and DG groups were higher than the NG group (8.0% vs. 3.3%; P&amp;lt;0.05; 15.6% vs. 3.3%; P&amp;lt;0.001; respectively), whereas the DG group was higher than the UG group (15.6% vs. 8.0%). These data demonstrated that dispersed granulation was the worst pattern for fertilization. Interestingly, many of the uneven-granulation group oocytes could become homogeneous (non-granulation) after hours or overnight IVM culture, suggesting that uneven granulation might be a sign of incomplete cytoplasmic maturity. Technically, performing ICSI through the less-granulation side was easier because of less resistance to membrane breaking and to pushing sperm out. Discovering the molecular nature of the granules and related cytoskeleton structures would extend our understanding of their existence and improve treatments by adjusting stimulation and trigger accordingly.

The effect of intra-ovarian androgen priming on ovarian reserve parameters in Bologna poor responders

What are the effects of long-term androgen priming in Bologna criteria poor ovarian reserve (POR) patients undergoing IVF? This open-label pilot study was conducted at IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It included consecutive patients aged 18-41 years who fulfilled Bologna criteria for POR undergoing intra-ovarian androgen priming and ultra-long down-regulation with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), followed by stimulation with gonadotrophins and GnRH antagonist co-treatment for IVF (n = 30). Priming consisted of low-dose recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG) 260 IU every second day plus letrozole 2.5 mg/day, both for 8 weeks; priming stopped on the first day of ovarian stimulation. The primary endpoint was serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration 8 weeks after priming. Secondary endpoints included antral follicle count (AFC) (2-10 mm), serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), testosterone and progesterone levels. Circulating testosterone, progesterone, oestradiol and HCG levels remained unchanged during androgen priming; the mean AMH level decreased steadily from 0.49 ng/ml (baseline) to 0.33 ng/ml (8 weeks). AFC was 4-5 throughout the study. A mean of 1.1 ± 0.9 good transferable embryos were obtained; embryo transfer was performed in 15 patients; no ongoing pregnancies were obtained. Long-term intra-ovarian androgen priming in the current set-up had no significant effect on hormone levels, AFC and recruitable follicles after ovarian stimulation in Bologna POR patients undergoing IVF. Further studies are needed to explore other androgen priming protocols and the clinical value of priming regimens in IVF.