Significant Difference In Clinical Pregnancy Rate Research Articles

Improved reproductive outcomes in normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women undergoing ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination: a retrospective cohort analysis of real-world data

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the comparative reproductive outcomes of ovarian stimulation combined with intrauterine insemination using partner’s sperm (OS-IUI) in eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women.MethodA retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 3833 couples who underwent 5920 cycles of OS-IUI between June 2013 and March 2019. Participants were stratified into two cohorts based on menstrual regularity: eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic. The primary outcome measured was the live birth rate (LBR) per cycle and cumulative LBR per couple. Secondary outcomes encompassed the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per cycle, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance maternal baseline characteristics.ResultsPrior to PSM, significant differences in CPR, LBR and cumulative LBR were observed between eumenorrheic and oligomenorrheic women, favoring the latter (CPR: 11.16% vs. 18.75%; LBR: 9.02% vs. 14.96%; cumulative LBR: 13.60% vs. 24.25%, P < 0.001). These differences persisted post-PSM (CPR: 9.74% vs. 19.29%; LBR: 7.30% vs. 16.29%; cumulative LBR 7.76% vs. 19.90%, P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that menstrual status was a significant independent predictor of both CPR (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.83 before PSM, 2.24 after PSM) and LBR (adjusted OR=1.90 before PSM, 2.46 after PSM). In the subgroup analysis, female age was identified as the sole predictor of reproductive outcomes in oligomenorrheic women undergoing OS-IUI. Conversely, in eumenorrheic women, factors such as age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI), ovarian stimulation agents, and the number of dominant follicles were significant influencers of CPR and LBR.ConclusionNormogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women demonstrated improved reproductive outcomes with OS-IUI, suggesting that tailored treatment strategies based on menstrual regularity could optimize success rates in infertility management.

O-130 The spatial conformational features of blastocysts can serve as a new basis for selection

Abstract Study question Can spatial conformational features become a new basis for blastocyst selection? Summary answer The spatial conformational features of blastocysts can be associated with clinical outcomes, which is a new basis for blastocyst selection. What is known already At present, the quality evaluation of blastocysts is two-dimensional, and there are relatively few evaluation indicators. There are now methods for exploring three-dimensional reconstruction of blastocysts, including fluorescence staining to obtain three-dimensional structures or artificial rotation to obtain images and restore three-dimensional conformations. However, one drawback of these methods is that they are far from true clinical applications. There are no reports on the reconstruction techniques that can be used in clinical blastocyst selection techniques, and there are no reports on the spatial conformational features related to them. Study design, size, duration This study included 2,141 frozen thaw single blastocyst transfer cycles at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2020 to 2021. Simultaneously collect multi-focal plane (11) image data for each blastocyst (EmbryoScope+). The inclusion criteria for patients are those under 40 years old, with an endometrial thickness of 7-16mm, and a history of embryo transfer failure of less than or equal to 1 time. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study iteratively interpolated the 11 focal planes using a multi focal plane generation network model. The contour and spatial information of blastocyst TE and ICM were obtained through deep-learning and segmentation networks. Texture information was extracted using depth estimation and image fusion and mapped to a 3D model to obtain a complete blastocyst spatial model. Then calculate a series of new spatial conformational features of the blastocyst and analyze their correlation with clinical outcomes. Main results and the role of chance We validated the model using the fluorescence reconstruction of human blastocysts as the gold standard (key indicator accuracy>90%). The obtained spatial conformational parameters of blastocysts include: Blastocyst: overall volume (BOV), cystic cavity volume (BCV), surface area (BSA); ICM: volume (IV), surface area (ISA), spatial aspect ratio (ISAr), surface sphericity (ISS), relative distance from ICM to TE (IRD), contact area with TE (ICA); TE cells: number (TN), density (TD), distribution difference (TDD), TE cell roundness (TR), circumference (TC), area (TA) and variance, TE cell aspect ratio (TMM) and variance. The BOV, BCV, and BSA of the blastocyst were positively correlated with clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). The quartile results showed significant differences in CPR when the values were >179 wμm3, 165 wμm3, and 25.8 wμm2, respectively. In terms of ICM, there was no significant difference in CPR among the IV, ISA, IRD, and ICA. However, we found ISAr and ISS had higher CPR in the range of 0.715-0.912 and 0.920-0.943, respectively. In terms of TE, TN is positively correlated with CPR. TD, TDD, TR were not significantly associated with CPR. The pleasing finding is that TC, TA, TMM, and their variances are significantly correlated with CPR. Limitations, reasons for caution The overall quality of blastocysts is relatively good, which is related to the priority thawing of the best blastocysts. Some blastocysts may appear partially out of view, leading to data unavailability and potentially affecting 3D reconstruction. Further exploration and discovery are needed for the spatial conformational features of blastocysts. Wider implications of the findings This work provides a 3D reconstruction system for blastocysts that is closer to clinical applications and discovers new spatial features that are related to clinical outcomes. This enables the study of more dimensional biological characteristics of blastocysts, and our research further promotes the development of embryo reconstruction technology. Trial registration number not applicable

P-687 High anti-müllerian hormone is associated with lower live birth rate in IVF/ICSI cycle with fresh transfer but not cumulative live birth rate in PCOS women

Abstract Study question Can serum AMH levels affect pregnancy outcomes particularly live birth rate (LBR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in PCOS women receiving IVF/ICSI treatment? Summary answer Higher serum AMH indicated a decreased LBR and increased miscarriage rate in PCOS women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle. However, AMH has no association with CLBR. What is known already AMH could reduce follicle sensitivity to FSH and acts as an inhibitor of primordial follicle recruitment, which is essential for follicle growth. Therefore, AMH has widely been suggested to reflect ovarian reserve and predict ovarian response to assisted reproductive technology (ART). Women with PCOS presented AMH level around 2 to 4-fold higher than normal female. The pathological mechanisms of PCOS are complex. Ovarian follicular arrest is regarded as an important pathophysiology of PCOS, which is a consequence of insufficient FSH secretion or inhibition FSH action. Consequently, increased AMH arise might be associated with severity and poor pregnancy outcomes of PCOS. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective cohort study included 4719 PCOS patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment at the Reproductive Center of Peking University Third Hospital from February 2017 to January 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were divided into three groups according to the cutoffs defined by the 25th and 75th percentiles of serum baseline AMH level, low-AMH group, n = 1198 (AMH ≤ 4.98 ng/mL); average-AMH group, n = 2346 (4.98 < AMH < 10.65 ng/mL); high-AMH group, n = 1175 (AMH ≥ 10.65 ng/mL). Baseline parameters and pregnancy outcomes including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate, LBR and CLBR were compared among three groups. Main results and the role of chance In our cohort, we observed a significant progressively increase in the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of good-quality embryos per cycle from low- to average- to high-AMH group. No statistical significance was observed in fertilization rate (62% vs 60% vs 60%, P = 0.453). In addition, there was no significant difference in CPR among three groups (44.8% vs 42.8% vs 36.8%, P = 0.069). The miscarriage rate was progressively increased from low, average, and high AMH group (11.2% vs 18.5% vs 20.0%, P = 0.023). Importantly, LBR in fresh transfer was progressively decreased from low, average, and high-AMH group (39.6% vs 33.9% vs 29.0%, P = 0.004). However, no statistical difference but an increasing trend was observed in the CLBR among three groups (55.2% vs 56.9% vs 58.1%, P = 0.753). After adjusting by logistic regression analysis, the results indicated that elevated AMH was still strongly associated with decreased LBR in fresh transfer. In addition, BMI, endometrial thickness, and fertilization rate also have correlations with LBR. Nevertheless, the positive relationship between AMH and miscarriage rate remained only in low and average AMH group. Finally, no significant association was shown between AMH and CLBR in logistic regression analysis. Limitations, reasons for caution Firstly, this was a single-center study and might result in bias. Another limitation was due to its retrospective and non-randomized design. Besides, our study indicated an increasing trend in CLBR without statistical significance. Therefore, further large-scale, high-quality prospective cohort studies are still needed to confirm these findings. Wider implications of the findings These findings bring into consideration the potential role of AMH as the guidance in clinical regime. Since high AMH level might act as a biomarker in predicting worse pregnancy outcomes of PCOS women with IVF/ICSI fresh cycle. Trial registration number not applicable

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy in In Vitro Fertilization Using Comprehensive Chromosome Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The utility of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is controversial, with older meta-analyses demonstrating improved pregnancy outcomes, while newer trials have not shown benefit. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis which aimed to evaluate the benefits of PGT-A using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) and its effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes among randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a systematic search to identify RCTs comparing women undergoing PGT-A with CSS with women not undergoing PGT-A, from inception to December 2020. Random effects meta-analysis was utilized to calculate average odds ratios (OR) for clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), and miscarriage rate (MR). The heterogeneity of exposure was assessed using Forest plots and I2 statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. Among 1251 citations, seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Biopsies of embryos were carried out at various developmental stages, including polar body, day 3, and day 5-6 of culture. Data was analyzed as all studies and blastocyst only. Meta-analysis failed to show improvement in OPRs using PGT-A in the all ages, <35 years old and ≥35 years old age groups. There was also no significant difference in CPRs in any group. The MR decreased with the use of PGT-A (among all biopsy types and among blastocyst biopsies) in the all-ages group, but not when stratifying according to patient age <35 and ≥35 years old. More data regarding the risks and advantages of PGT-A are needed to make a final decision on the value of this intervention in clinical practice. The exact magnitude of the benefit of PGT-A selection cannot be correctly determined until multiple standardized protocol IVF PGT-A trials are conducted.

P-758 Impact of serum estradiol levels prior to progesterone administration in artificial frozen embryo transfer cycles:a retrospective study over 26,000 cycles

Abstract Study question To investigate whether serum estradiol (E2) levels prior to progesterone administration in the FET-cycle affect the Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Summary answer High serum E2 levels prior to progesterone administration in Artificial endometrial preparation are associated with a decreased live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate . What is known already Although the use of FET has progressively increased, it is still unknown whether a specific endometrial preparation protocol should be favored over another. Owing to their minimal need for clinic visits and a larger scheduling flexibility, artificial cycles for FET are widely used. Additional to the ultrasonographic endometrial thickness check prior to FET, the need for endocrine monitoring in artificial cycles remains unclear. Specifically, the value of proliferative phase serum hormone measurements remains a point of discussion. Study design, size, duration A total of 26,194 artificial FETs performed in a Tertiary-care academic medical centre between 2016 and 2021 were subdivided into 3 groups according to the following late-proliferative serum E2 level percentiles: ≤p33.3 (E2 ≤118 pg/ml; n = 8784), p33.4–p66.6 (E2 from 118.1 to 231.9 pg/ml; n = 8662) and ≥p66.7 (E2 ≥232 pg/ml; n = 8748). Participants/materials, setting, methods A retrospective study over 26,194 cycles,from 2016 to 2021 were included.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Main results and the role of chance In 26,194 cycles, there were significant differences in CPR and LBR among the tri-sectional quantiles groups with E2 levels. After stratifying the analysis by age, BMI, infertility diagnosis, type of embryo transferred, number of transferred embryos, infertility factors, method of fertilization, and endometrial thickness on transfer day, there were still significant differences in CPR and LBR among the tri-sectional quantiles group with E2 levels. Multivariate regression analysis showed that female age, thin endometrium, high serum E2 level, tubal factor infertility were risk factors for CPR and LBR, ICSI fertilization, blastocyst transfer, the number of transferred embryos, ovulation disorder infertility and male factor infertility were protective factors for CPR and LBR, BMI was only a risk factor for LBR. Limitations, reasons for caution •Different routes of administration affect serum estrogen levels,and the relationship of serum estrogen levels and endometrial estrogen concentrations is unclear Wider implications of the findings High miscarriage rate following FET has been a point of debate in literature.Future research should definitely focus on the the usefulness of serum E2 evaluation to optimize the success rate. Trial registration number Not applicable

The Impact of Chronic Endometritis on Infertility: Prevalence, Reproductive Outcomes, and the Role of Hysteroscopy as a Screening Tool

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women, its impact on reproductive outcomes, and the accuracy of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for CE. Design: This was a prospective observational study. Participants: Participants involved in this study were 514 asymptomatic patients with infertility. Setting: The review was conducted in a tertiary care center. Methods: The participants underwent a hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy (EMB). Antibiotics were given for cases of CE. We investigated the prevalence of CE in patients starting assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in the ART cycle after hysteroscopy, EMB, and antibiotic treatment in cases of CE; the cumulative CPR in the subsequent 2 years after hysteroscopy and EMB; the sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool compared to EMB as the “gold standard” for diagnosing CE. Results: CE was identified in 2.8% of patients starting ART (11/393). CPRs did not differ significantly between patients with CE and the entire cohort of patients without CE in the subsequent ART cycle (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.09–2.02) or in the 2 years after EMB (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.16–1.97). In a matched control comparison (with matching for age, basal FSH, and cause of infertility), CPR in patients with CE did not differ in the subsequent ART cycle (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.09–1.61); however, their CPR in the 2 years after EMB was significantly lower (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13–0.38). The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for diagnosing CE were 8.3% and 90.1%, respectively. Limitations: Due to our cohort’s low CE prevalence, we could not detect significant differences in CPRs. Conclusion: CE is rare in our studied population of asymptomatic patients starting ART. Hysteroscopy cannot replace EMB for diagnosing CE.

Clinical outcomes after elective double-embryo transfer in frozen cycles for women of advanced maternal age: A retrospective cohort study.

We aimed to determine the clinical outcome of double cleavage-stage embryo transfers in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles for older women.This study analyzed a total of 8189 cleavage-stage frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles between January 2013 and December 2017 at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. All cycles were sorted into 3 groups based on patient age: ≤35 years (Group A), 36 to 37 years (Group B), and ≥38 years (Group C). The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), live birth rate (LBR), miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), preterm birth rate, and low-birth-weight rate were compared between the 3 groups.Significant differences in CPR, IR, LBR, MPR, and premature birth rate were found among the 3 groups. The CPR, IR, LBR, and MPR in Group A were higher than those in Group C. Transfers of 2 high-quality embryos resulted in significant differences in CPR, IR, LBR, MPR, and neonatal weight among the 3 groups, but no differences in premature birth and abortion rates were observed. Transfers with 1 high-quality and 1 fair-quality embryo resulted in significant differences in CPR, IR, and LBR among the 3 groups. Comparison of transfers of 2 high-quality embryos with 1 high-quality and 1 fair-quality embryo showed that the CPR and LBR were significantly lower for the latter in Groups A and C, but Group B had no salient changes.Higher IR and LBR and lower MPR may be achieved by selection of optimal embryo types for patients of different ages. Two high-quality embryos need to be transferred in women older than 38 years. For women aged 36 to 37 years, 1 high-quality embryo or 1 high-quality plus 1 fair-quality embryo should be singled out for transfer. For women younger than 35 years, a single high-quality embryo should be selected for transfer.

Comparison of Treatment outcomes following Ovarian Stimulation with Intrauterine Insemination in Minimal or Mild Endometriosis versus Unexplained Infertility: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Infertility is a global health issue. The variation in the prevalence of unexplained infertility is attributed to the choice of investigation. There remains a knowledge gap on the impact of minimal and mild endometriosis on treatment outcomes following intrauterine insemination (IUI). The aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes following ovarian stimulation (OS) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) between minimal and mild endometriosis versus unexplained infertility. A retrospective analysis of women undergoing OS with intrauterine insemination during the year 20142020 in the Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, was considered for the study. Women with minimal and mild endometriosis or unexplained infertility diagnosed by diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy were included for the analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR) per cycle. The secondary outcomes measured were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) , cumulative LBR (CLBR) per women, cumulative CPR (CCPR) per women and miscarriage rate. The baseline parameters were compared using a t-test for continuous data, and categorical data were compared using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test as appropriate. The outcomes were assessed using logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). There were no significant differences in CPR per cycle (14.28% vs. 18.8%, OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.401.28) and LBR per cycle (14.28% vs. 16.6%, OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.461.51) between the endometriosis and unexplained infertility groups. The cumulative LBR per woman and CCPR per woman also did not show any significant difference in between the two groups. The current study did not find any significant differences in cumulative LBR and CPR following OS-IUI in women with minimal or mild endometriosis and unexplained infertility.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma optimizes endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in women with refractory thin endometrium of varied aetiology during fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) optimizes endometrial thickness (EMT) and improves live birth rates (LBR) in women with refractory thin endometrium due to varied aetiology during fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsA prospective interventional study was conducted at the ART Centre of a tertiary care academic hospital. Twenty-two infertile women with refractory thin endometrium (<7mm) despite standard hormone replacement therapy were assessed. Twenty patients underwent 26 PRP cycles from December 2018 - June 2020 during fresh IVF-ET and FET. Primary endpoint was expansion of EMT and secondary outcomes were implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and LBR in fresh and FET cycles and aetiology wise.ResultsMean EMT increased significantly following PRP administration (p<0.001) with average increase of 1.07mm and 0.83mm after first PRP (p<0.001) during fresh IVF and FET, respectively. CPR, IR and LBR showed no significant difference when compared during fresh vs. FET cycles (p>0.05). PRP led to significant increase in EMT in tuberculosis (TB), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in CPR, IR and LBR among three aetiological factors (p>0.05). Overall, clinical pregnancy and LBR reached up to 20% and 25%, respectively. No adverse reactions were reported.ConclusionsPRP enhances EMT significantly during fresh and FET cycles in thin endometrium associated with TB, PCOS and DOR, thus improving the CPR and LBR in these low prognosis patients.

Impact of Thyroid Autoimmunity in euthyroid women on the outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization

ObjectiveInfertility is inadequately acknowledged as a problem in developing countries. Thyroid Autoimmunity (TAI) has been neatly investigated for its association with unfavorable pregnancy and reproductive consequences. We aim to evaluate Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR) as a primary outcome following In Vitro Fertilization/Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) in women with Thyroid Autoimmunity (TAI). MethodsA Retrospective cohort study included 584 women who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment between November 2012 and April 2017 in Orient Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Patients were tested for TAI before IVF/ICSI procedure. ResultsCPR did not significantly differ between TAI positive and TAI negative groups (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis for only primary infertility patients showed a statistically significant difference in CPR between TAI positive and TAI negative groups. ConclusionAlthough several arguments were in favor of the relation between IVF/ICSI outcomes and Thyroid autoimmune disease, the presence of TAI positivity did not adversely affect the clinical pregnancy rate.

Effects of a Chinese Patent Medicine Gushen'antai Pills on Ongoing Pregnancy Rate of Hormone Therapy FET Cycles: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

In the past decade, the number of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) has increased dramatically with the expansion of surgical indications and the improvement of freezing related technologies. How to improve the success rate and reduce the adverse effects of FET is our research priorities. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of Gushen’antai pills (GSATP) by measuring the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) in patients from FET and hormone therapy (HT) cycle. From November 2019 to May 2020, 5 Chinese hospitals conducted a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In total, 271 HT FET cycles in patients were randomly divided (1:1 ratio) to receive GSATP (6 g, tid) or placebo (6g, tid) for 12 weeks of pregnancy. Patients, clinicians, and researchers were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was the OPR at week 12 of pregnancy. The secondary endpoints were vaginal bleeding or brown discharge rate, implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and abortion rate (AR). Adverse events were recorded during the treatment period. The results showed that the OPR remained higher in the GSATP group when compared to placebo group (56.62% vs. 44.44%, p = 0.045). Vaginal bleeding or brown discharge rate was lower in the GSATP group than the placebo group (10% vs. 23.08%, p = 0.032), while the IR (35.16% vs. 27.64%, p = 0.070), CPR (58.82% vs. 48.15%, p = 0.078), incidence of total adverse events (8.09% vs. 3.22%, p = 0.051) and AR (3.75% vs. 7.69%, p = 0.504) were similar between GSATP and placebo groups. Subgroup analysis showed that there were significant differences in CPR (74.19% vs. 54.17%, p = 0.004) and OPR (72.04% vs. 51.04%, p = 0.003) between GSATP group and Placebo group when the patient was younger than 35 years old. This multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study showed for the first evidence that GSATP may have potential to improve the OPR and decrease vaginal bleeding or brown discharge rate in HT FET cycle patients.

Understanding the Reproductive Experience and Pregnancy Outcomes of Lesbian Women Undergoing Donor Intrauterine Insemination.

The study purpose was to evaluate the reproductive experience, specifically cycle characteristics and treatment outcomes, of lesbian women. In addition, we aimed to determine whether there are differences in pregnancy outcomes when comparing lesbian women undergoing ovulation induction (OI) versus natural cycles with donor intrauterine insemination (IUI), as well as lesbian and heterosexual women undergoing the same assisted reproductive technology treatment. This was a retrospective cohort study including women who underwent an IUI with cryopreserved sperm between 2006 and 2018. The primary outcome of interest was clinical pregnancy (CP) rate. A total of 216 lesbian women (451 natural cycles and 441 OI cycles) and 584 heterosexual women (1177 natural cycles and 1238 OI cycles) were included in the study. Thirty percent of lesbian women had a hysterosalpingogram as part of their initial workup. Approximately 40% of lesbian women who underwent OI/IUI had previously undergone at least one natural cycle/IUI. There was no significant difference in CP rate when comparing lesbian women and heterosexual women undergoing natural or OI/IUI, or when comparing lesbian women who underwent natural versus OI/IUI cycles. However, there was a significantly higher multiple gestation rate among lesbian women undergoing OI compared with those undergoing natural cycles (11.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). This large study showed that while pregnancy outcomes were similar between groups, the multiple gestation rate was higher in lesbian women undergoing OI compared with lesbian women undergoing natural cycles.

Impact of Serum Progesterone Levels in GnRH Antagonist Assisted Reproduction Cycles on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: With controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, sometimes it is associated with incomplete luteolysis leading to elevated serum progesterone in early follicular phase. Persistence of this elevation might reduce the chance for clinical pregnancy. Objective: To assess the effect of elevated early and late follicular progesterone (P) levels during gonadotrophins releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles on pregnancy outcome. Design: Prospective single center study. Setting: North-western Military hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients: 302 in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) patients. Intervention(s): Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH), (150 - 300 IU) started daily from cycle day 2; GnRH antagonist treatment started on day 6 of the cycle. The serum progesterone (P) measured twice on cycle day 2 and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) day. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates per started cycle. Results: The incidence of elevated serum P on day 2 was (5.3%) and on hCG day was (17.5%), statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (32.3% versus 13.0%) and in live birth rate (23.4% versus 11.1%) were present between the normal and high serum progesterone groups on hCG day, but these differences were not statistically significant in the groups of elevated basal progesterone. Conclusion: Follicular phase progesterone rise either on day 2 or the day of hCG trigger was associated with lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. This impact was more prominent with trigger day elevation.

Impact of local endometrial injury on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent studies have revealed positive effects of endometrial injury on clinical pregnancy rates, but with inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of endometrial injury (biopsy and/or hysteroscopy) as a potential treatment measure for implantation failure in the in vitro fertilization population. We searched in PubMed for studies comparing the efficacy of endometrial injury versus no intervention in women with at least one implantation failure. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and the live birth rate (LBR). Seventeen studies (11 randomized and 6 non-randomized studies) were included in this meta-analysis, including 1864 women in the intervention group and 2193 women in the control group. Overall, the CPR and LBR were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (for CPR, n = 3997, 16 studies, P < 0.00001, risk ratio (RR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.24, 1.74]; for LBR, n = 2361, 11 studies, P = 0.003, RR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.12, 1.78]). However, after excluding the non-randomized studies, there was no significant difference in CPR (P = 0.29 for endometrial biopsy, P = 0.05 for hysteroscopy) and LBR (P = 0.23 for endometrial biopsy, P = 0.39 for hysteroscopy) between the intervention group and the control group. There is still insufficient evidence to support the use of endometrial injury in women with implantation failure. Robust randomized controlled studies should be designed and performed before clinical implementation of endometrial injury.

Luteal phase ovarian stimulation for poor ovarian responders.

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical outcomes of follicular versus luteal phase ovarian stimulation in women with poor ovarian response (Bologna criteria) undergoing IVF.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 446 patients submitted to 507 cycles in three groups. First, the two larger cohorts were examined: 154 patients treated with luteal phase ovarian stimulation (Group Lu); and 231 patients administered follicular phase ovarian stimulation (Group Fo). Then the clinical outcomes of 61 patients submitted to double ovarian stimulation were analyzed. Clinical outcomes included number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, top-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR).ResultsLonger stimulation, higher dosages of HMG, and higher MII oocyte rates were achieved in Group Lu (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in CPR and LBR between the two groups offered frozen-thawed embryo transfer (28.4% vs. 33.0%, p=0.484; 22.9% vs. 25.5%, p=0.666). In the double ovarian stimulation group, the number of oocytes retrieved in the luteal phase stimulation protocol was higher (p=0.035), although luteal phase stimulation yielded a lower rate of MII oocytes (p=0.031). CPR and LBR were not statistically different (13.8% vs. 21.4%, p=0.525; 10.3% vs. 14.3%, p=0.706).ConclusionLuteal phase ovarian stimulation may be a promising protocol to treat women with POR, particularly for patients unable to yield enough viable embryos through follicular phase ovarian stimulation or other protocols.

The Human Oocyte Preservation Experience (HOPE) Registry: evaluation of cryopreservation techniques and oocyte source on outcomes

BackgroundThis prospective, Phase IV, multicenter, observational registry of assisted reproductive technology clinics in the USA studied outcomes of first cycles using thawed/warmed cryopreserved (by slow-freezing/vitrification) oocytes (autologous or donor).MethodsPatients were followed up through implantation, clinical pregnancy, and birth outcomes. The main outcome measure was live birth rate (LBR), defined as the ratio of live births to oocytes thawed/warmed minus the number of embryos cryopreserved for each cycle, averaged over all thawing cycles. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) was also evaluated, and was defined as the presence of a fetal sac with heart activity, as detected by ultrasound scan performed on Day 35–42 after embryo transfer.ResultsA total of 16 centers enrolled 204 patients; data from 193 patients were available for analyses. For donor oocytes, in the slow-freezing (n = 40) versus vitrification (n = 94) groups, respectively, CPR and LBR were significantly different: 32.4% versus 62.6%, and 25.0% versus 52.1%; outcomes from Day 3 transfers did not differ significantly. For vitrified oocytes, in the autologous (n = 46) versus donor (n = 94) group, respectively, CPR and LBR were significantly different: 30.0% versus 62.6% and 17.4% versus 52.1%. This was largely due to a significant difference in CPR with Day 5/6 transfers.ConclusionsIn two subgroup data analyses, in women who received cryopreserved oocytes from donors, CPR and LBR were significantly higher in cycles using oocytes cryopreserved via vitrification versus slow-freezing, reflecting differences in methodologies and more Day 5/6 transfers; in women who received vitrified oocytes, CPR and LBR were significantly higher in cycles using donor versus autologous oocytes with Day 5/6 transfers.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00699400. Registered June 13, 2008.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of pregnancy following IVF

This single-centre retrospective observational study was performed at a university IVF centre. The aim was to examine the predictive power of AMH concentrations for clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and establish a cut-off concentration of AMH below which no pregnancies were achieved. Data from 820 women with one treatment cycle each were analysed. There was a significant difference in CPR (24.4% and 40.0%; P<0.01) between the lowest and highest quartiles of AMH. This study failed to establish a cut-off concentration of AMH below which there were no clinical pregnancies as several pregnancies were achieved despite an AMH less than 1pmol/l. Log AMH showed a strong positive correlation with number of oocytes retrieved (r=0.522; P<0.001). Log AMH and overall CPR were weakly correlated (r=0.112, P<0.001), but this was not maintained when controlled for the number of oocytes. Age was a stronger independent predictor of CPR than AMH. In conclusion, although an excellent marker of ovarian response, AMH is only a weak predictor of clinical pregnancy. With AMH below the third percentile, CPR was 15%. However AMH is very useful for patient counselling and assessment when used in conjunction with age.Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the ovary and reflects the egg reserve. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of AMH levels to predict pregnancy following IVF treatment and to establish a cut-off concentration of AMH below which no pregnancies were achieved. This retrospective study was carried out at a university IVF centre. It included 820 women who underwent IVF treatment in 1 year. The study showed that there was a strong positive correlation seen between AMH and the number of eggs obtained during IVF treatment. There was a significant difference in pregnancy rates (24.4% and 40%) between the lowest and highest quartiles of AMH. This was not maintained when controlled for the number of oocytes. This shows, that although an excellent marker of the number of eggs retrieved at IVF, AMH is only a weak predictor of clinical pregnancy. Age was a stronger independent predictor of pregnancy than AMH. With AMH below the third percentile, clinical pregnancy rates were still 15%. However, AMH is very useful for patient counselling and assessment when used in conjunction with age. We failed to establish a cut-off concentration of AMH below which there were no clinical pregnancies as several pregnancies were achieved despite having AMH concentrations less than 1pmol/l.

Does catheter choice during embryo transfer alter the pregnancy rate?

Although every step in the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure is important, the impact of embryo transfer (ET) on pregnancy rate (PR) is significant. Of all the crucial aspects of ET the type of catheter used and the technique of transfer on the PR has drawn the maximum attention and controversy. We aimed to compare the outcome of two different ET catheters on the PR. A prospective analysis comparing the classical Frydman (Laboratoire CCD, France) and the soft Cook (Cook Medical, Indiana, USA) ET catheters was performed. Primary end-point was clinical pregnancy rate (CPR); secondary end-points were rates of difficult transfer. A total of 1,446 ETs were performed in women undergoing IVF treatment, of which 723 cycles were randomised to the Cook catheter and 723 to the Frydman catheter. It was observed that, although the Cook catheter was related to a slightly higher PR, the overall comparison failed to indicate a significant difference in CPR. It was also seen that the ease of transfer did not significantly affect the PRs. Individual variables during ET may not contribute significantly to the success of an IVF programme; however, a holistic approach encompassing all the factors is quintessential to improve the PR.

Enough is enough! Patients who do not conceive on 600 IU/d of gonadotropins show no improvement from an additional 150 IU of LH activity

Studies have suggested that supplemental LH improves outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. In this retrospective review, an additional 150 IU of LH activity did not improve ART outcomes in women undergoing a second round of IVF/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) after an initial failed cycle using 600 IU of gonadotropins.

Effective blastocyst cryopreservation markedly increases cumulative pregnancy rates per ova retrieval in donor ova and non-donor cycles independent of patient age

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy rates of 990 fresh IVF/ICSI with 212 FET blastocyst transfers as a function of patient age. DESIGN: Ongoing longitudinal review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2008, an extended culture with triple gas system was used for 990 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles. After transfer the left blastocysts were cryopreserved by slow rate method. At the same time, 212 blastocyst FET cycles were completed. Main outcome measures: clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (defined as viable delivery and/or ongoing pregnancy). RESULTS: The pregnancy rates of different patient age groups are shown in table 1 for donor and non-donor cycles. Table 1: Pregnancy results by age group in 990 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles and 212 blastocyst FET cycles.Table 1Pregnancy results by age group in 990 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles and 212 blastocyst FET cycles.Donor<35 yrs35-37 yrs38-40yrs≥41 yrsTotalFresh Cycle #187273164162204990Fresh Cycle Pregnancy rate142 (76%)178 (65.2%)89 (54.3%)76 (46.9%)58 (28.4%)543 (54.8%)Fresh Cycle CPR129 (69%)148 (54.2%)66 (40.2%)58 (35.8%)40 (19.6%)441 (44.5%)FET Cycle #5289271810212Blastocysts thawed147267734737571Survived # (rate)137 (93.2%)242(90.6%)67(91.8%)38(80.9%)36(97.3%)520(91.1%)Average ET#2.52.62.523.62.4FET Pregnancy rate34 (65.4%)64 (71.9%)18 (66.7%)10 (55.6%)3 (30%)129 (60.8%)FET CPR31 (59.6%)55 (61.8%)14 (51.9%)9 (50%)2 (20%)111 (52.4%) Open table in a new tab CONCLUSIONS: Fresh CPR was similar to FET CPR in the Donor group (69% vs. 59.6%, P =0.6536). No significant differences in CPR were found in all age groups between fresh and cryopreserved embryo transfer cycles. Effective blastocyst cryopreservation is a highly effective method to increase the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate per ova retrieval.