P–211 Double warming and double vitrification for euploid embryos does not affect implantation nor ongoing pregnancy rate

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B A Hashimi

Abstract Study question Does exposure of embryos to double vitrification and double warming affect the chances of ongoing pregnancy for patients undergoing PGT-A and transfer euploid embryos? Summary answer Our analysis shows that there is no statistically significant difference in implantation or ongoing pregnancy rate between single or double vitrification/warming cycles. What is known already The use of PGT-A is increasing in the last years and progressively more patients opting in for this, in order to reduce time to pregnancy. Implantation failures prior to genetic testing or the incidence of no-result embryos post PGT-A are some of the scenarios that expose the embryos to multiple rounds of vitrification/warming cycles. The exact effect that such exposure has on embryos is still to be investigated and confirmed as to whether it affects the outcome (i.e. implantation/ongoing pregnancy rate) or the future health of the child. Study design, size, duration Our analysis is a retrospective observation study of data collected from 151 consecutive frozen euploid embryo transfers (FET). These were performed at a single centre between January-December 2020. Two groups were created for this study. The first group includes euploid embryos that were transferred post being exposed to single vitrification/warming (n = 126). In the second group euploid embryos were exposed twice to vitrification/warming (n = 25). Statistical analysis using chi-square test and statistical significance was calculated when p ≤ 0.05. Participants/materials, setting, methods Blastocysts from 151 patients were split into two groups based on the number of vitrification/warming cycles that they underwent prior to FET. The first group includes embryos that were subjected to trophectoderm biopsy and were then vitrified (n = 126). The second group includes embryos that were initially vitrified without undergoing PGT-A analysis. Following implantation failures, their remaining embryos were warmed, biopsied and re-vitrified. Post PGT-A analysis euploid embryos were then re-warmed and transferred (n = 25). Main results and the role of chance For the first group (A), 450 blastocysts (day 5–7) were subjected to trophectoderm biopsy, where 5-cells taken, and embryos were then vitrified. Post PGT-A analysis 260 euploid embryos identified. From them 126 embryos transferred in frozen replacement cycles, where the mean embryo age for the group was 36.1±4.2. The grade of embryos transferred were of 4BC or better based on Gardner’s grading system. The implantation and ongoing pregnancy rate for this group was 62%. For the second group (B), 101 blastocysts (day 5–7) warmed, in order to undergo trophectoderm biopsy and were then re-vitrified. Post PGT-A analysis 49 euploid embryos identified. From them, 25 embryos transferred in frozen replacement cycles, where the mean maternal age for the group was 35.05±5.2. The grade of embryos transferred were of similar quality to group A. The implantation and ongoing pregnancy rate for this group was 64%. Statistical analysis confirmed that there is no statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.74). In addition, 60% of patients (n = 5) who had double vitrification, double biopsy and double warming have ongoing pregnancy. In conclusion, for transferrable quality euploid blastocysts, double vitrification has comparable reproductive outcomes as in single vitrification, thereby supporting the efficacy of double vitrification/warming when necessary. Limitations, reasons for caution This study uses a small sample size of patients. The data are observational and were retrospectively analysed so unknown confounders could not be assessed. The addition of more cycles and further multivariate analysis, including the child’s health is essential for confirmation of the findings. However, initial results are very reassuring. Wider implications of the findings: Our study has implications for clinical practice and patient counselling. Especially in patients that they choose to undergo PGT-A with pre-vitrified embryos post implantation failures with non PGT-A tested embryos. Trial registration number N/A

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Timotheou ◽  
T Chartomatsidou ◽  
K Kostoglou ◽  
E Papa ◽  
C Ioakeimidou ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question To examine the correlation of first cleavage and blastulation timing on euploidy rates in IVF cycles after PGT-A. Summary answer The timing of blastulation is observed earlier in the euploid embryos. What is known already Embryo evaluation is one of the most critical processes that affect the clinical outcome in IVF cycles. Conventional morphologic assessment and morphokinetic assessment using time lapse technology are performed in order to select the embryo with the higher implantation potential to be transferred. It is stated that embryos with faster developmental potential, especially early forming blastocysts, show increased euploidy rate and higher implantation potential. Study design, size, duration This study includes ICSI/PGT-A treatments completed between May 2018 and December 2019. 117 blastocysts were biopsied and their euploidy status was analyzed by NGS. These embryos resulted from 32 different ICSI treatments. PGT-A was performed due to: a) repeated IVF failure, b) advanced maternal age, c) recurrent pregnancy loss.ICSI was implemented in all cases and blastocysts were vitrified awaiting the genetic results. Single euploid blastocyst transfer followed and clinical pregnancy rate was monitored. Participants/materials, setting, methods Based on the genetic results, the biopsied embryos were divided into two categories; group A representing the euploid embryos and group B the aneuploid embryos. The timing of 1st cleavage and the timing of blastulation, by means of forming a blastocoel, were investigated and compared between the two groups. The rate of early blastocysts in the two groups was also analysed. Early blastocysts are considered those formed at 96h ±2 of embryo culture post ICSI. Main results and the role of chance After the genetic analysis of the biopsied embryos, 37 blastocysts were included in group A-Euploid embryos and 80 blastocysts in group B-Aneuploid embryos. The mean time of the 1st cleavage division was similar between the two groups, with marginally no statistical significance (group A-euploid:25.9h, group B-aneuploid: 26.9h ,p>0.05). Regarding the blastulation time, it was achieved earlier in group A-Euploid, at a mean time of 102.6h, compared to the mean time of 106h in group B-Aneuploid (p < 0.05). Between the cohort of the Euploid embryos (group A), there was a higher rate of early blastulating embryos, compared to the cohort of aneuploid embryos (Group B) (24% VS 17.5%), although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). After transferring 1 euploid blastocyst, the ongoing pregnancy rate was monitored in 76.5%, independently of the 1stcleavage and blastulation time of the transferred embryo. Limitations, reasons for caution Further investigation in larger randomized studies is required, as only a limited number of cases were included in this study. Further analysis of the ongoing pregnancy rate between the euploid blastocysts, depending on other morphokinetic parameters would be of paramount significance, as well. Wider implications of the findings: High clinical pregnancy rates observed independently of the analyzed time points, indicate high success rates obtained after PGT-A/NGS. Additionally, success rates show that trophectoderm biopsy is not hazardous for the embryo viability, if performed properly. Concluding, genetic testing combined with time-lapse microscopy may provide further information to improve IVF outcomes. Trial registration number N/A


Author(s):  
Arie A Polim ◽  
Ivan R Sini ◽  
Indra NC Anwar ◽  
Aryando Pradana ◽  
Kurniawati Kurniawati ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the role of CC-highly purified Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hpHMG) and Growth Hormone (GH) in mini-stimulation protocol to improve outcome in poor ovarian responders (POR). Method: All patients were given clomiphene citrate 150 mg from day 3 to day 7 of menstrual cycle followed by 150 IU hpHMG daily from day 8 until ovulation trigger. Two groups were observed where one group received GH and the other arm did not. In the GH group, 8 IU of GH were given from day 1 of stimulation until stimulation was stopped. GnRH antagonist was used to suppress ovulation. Result: Among 51 eligible women, 29 patients with GH and 22 patients without GH, no difference was observed in the number of oocytes retrieved (2.21 versus 2.64) and the number of embryos transferred (1.24 versus 1.68) in the GH group versus the group without GH, respectively. Total clinical pregnancy rate was 17.6%. No significant difference in pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rate in both groups (17.2% versus 18.2%) and (13.8% versus 13.6%), respectively. In patients older than 40 years old, GH showed a 4-fold likelihood in producing top quality embryos (44.8% vs 13.6%, OR=3.6, p=0.05). Conclusion: CC-HMG regimen in mini-stimulation protocol is an effective option in poor responders. Additional GH in ministimulation program provided a higher number of top quality embryos in women older than 40 years old, although there were no difference in clinical or ongoing pregnancy rate. Keywords: CC-HMG, growth hormone, IVF, mini-stimulation protocol, poor ovarian responders


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J A M Hamilton ◽  
J W van der Steeg ◽  
C J C M Hamilton ◽  
J P de Bruin

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is pregnancy success rate after a concise infertility work-up the same as pregnancy success rate after the traditional extensive infertility work-up? SUMMARY ANSWER The ongoing pregnancy rate within a follow-up of 1 year after a concise infertility work-up is significantly lower than the pregnancy success rate after the traditional and extensive infertility work-up. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Based on cost-effectiveness studies, which have mainly focused on diagnosis, infertility work-up has become less comprehensive. Many centres have even adopted a one-stop approach to their infertility work-up. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a historically controlled cohort study. In 2012 and 2013 all new infertile couples (n = 795) underwent an extensive infertility work-up (group A). In 2014 and 2015, all new infertile couples (n = 752) underwent a concise infertility work-up (group B). The follow-up period was 1 year for both groups. Complete follow-up was available for 99.0% of couples in group A and 97.5% in group B. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The extensive infertility work-up consisted of history taking, a gynaecological ultrasound scan, semen analysis, ultrasonographic cycle monitoring, a timed postcoital test, a timed progesterone and chlamydia antibody titre. A hysterosalpingography (HSG) was advised routinely. The concise infertility work-up was mainly based on history taking, a gynaecological ultrasound scan and semen analysis. A HSG was only performed if tubal pathology was suspected or before the start of IUI. Laparoscopy and hormonal tests were only performed if indicated. Couples were treated according to the diagnosis with either expectant management (if the Hunault prognostic score was >30%), ovulation induction (in case of ovulation disorders), IUI in natural cycles (in case of cervical factor), IUI in stimulated cycles (if the Hunault prognostic score was <30%) or IVF/ICSI (in case of tubal factor, advanced female age, severe male factor and if other treatments remained unsuccessful). The primary outcomes were time to pregnancy and the ongoing pregnancy rates in both groups. The secondary outcomes were the number of investigations, the distribution of diagnoses made, the first treatment (started) after infertility work-up and the mode of conception. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The descriptive data, such as age, duration of infertility, type of infertility and lifestyle habits, in both groups were comparable. In group A, more than twice the number of infertility investigations were performed, compared to group B. An HSG was made less frequently in group B (33% versus 42%) and at a later stage. A Kaplan–Meier curve shows a shorter time to pregnancy in group A. Also, a significantly higher overall ongoing pregnancy rate within a follow-up of 1 year was found in group A (58.7% versus 46.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). In group A, more couples conceived during the infertility work-up (14.7% versus 6.5%, respectively, P < 0.05). The diagnosis cervical infertility could only be made in group A (9.3%). The diagnosis unexplained infertility differed between groups, at 23.5% in group A and 32.2% in group B (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a historically controlled cohort study; introduction of bias cannot be ruled out. The follow-up rate was similar in the two groups and therefore could not explain the differences in pregnancy rate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Re-introduction of an extensive infertility work-up should be considered as it may lead to higher ongoing pregnancy rates within a year. The therapeutic effects of HSG and timing of intercourse may improve the fertility chance. This finding should be verified in a randomized controlled trial. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was obtained for this study. No conflicts of interest were declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Polumiskova ◽  
S Tevkin ◽  
M Shishimorova ◽  
T Jussubaliyeva

Abstract Study question Is there a difference in ART cycle results after frozen embryo transfer (FET), depending on whether blastocysts were cryopreserved on day 5 or 6? Summary answer There’s no statistical difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), life birth rate (LBR), miscarriage rate (MR) between embryos frozen on day 5 and 6. What is known already Currently, opinions differ regarding this topic. Previous studies demonstrated no difference in ongoing pregnancy rates between embryos frozen on day 5 (group A) or day 6 (group B) after FET. However, metanalysis (2019) suggested higher CPR and LBR after transferring embryos from group A rather than group B. It has also been established that ovarian stimulation leads to endometrial changes that result in deleterious effects on the implantation window and endometrial receptivity. Consequently, fresh transfers were excluded. Due to hormonal priming of endometrial receptivity, the same pregnancy outcomes should be expected with frozen-thawed blastocysts (day 5 vs 6). Study design, size, duration Retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 with selected group of patients under 40 years of age. Group A consisted of 2275 cryotransfers of blastocyst expanded on day 5; group B included 170 cryotransfers of blastocyst on day 6. Both groups had an average of 1,52 embryos transferred per patient. Participants/materials, setting, methods Embryos were vitrified and warmed with Cryotop method (Kitazato, BioPharma). Blastocysts were scored according to Gardner and Schoolcraft grading system. Only expanded on day or 6 blastocysts of excellent and good (AA, AB, BA, BB) quality were selected. The embryos were cultured in CSC medium (Irvine Scientific) for 2–4 hours prior intrauterine transfer. The cycles with donor gametes, surrogacy and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were excluded. Statistical validity was assessed by Pearson’s chi-squared test. Main results and the role of chance The rates of the CPR, the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) and the LBR between group A and B were 50,8% (1157/2275) vs 46,5% (79/170) (p = 0,26), 37,4% (852/2275) vs 37,0% (63/170) (p = 0,91), 36,5% (832/2275) vs 35,2% (60/170) (p = 0,73) respectively and no significant differences were found in each category. Moreover, similarly there were no significant differences in the miscarriage rate 26,0% (301/1157) and 21,5% (17/79) (p = 0,37) as well Limitations, reasons for caution The study is limited due to uneven distribution of patients in both groups and by a low number of participants. The grading of blastocysts’ quality is also subjected to a human factor. Wider implications of the findings: This study confirms that frozen-thawed blastocysts do not seem to exhibit a difference in the CPR, OPR, LBR and MR whether they were expanded on day 5 or day 6. The cryopreservation of day 6 blastocyst can increase the chances of the patient for the positive outcome. Trial registration number Not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eden Har-Gil ◽  
Ayala Heled ◽  
Marjorie Dixon ◽  
Abdul Munaf Sultan Ahamed ◽  
Yaakov Bentov

Abstract Background The effects of cannabis use on male and female reproduction have been the focus of scientific research for decades. Although initial studies raised concerns, more recent studies were reassuring. Considering the recent legalization of recreational use of cannabis in Canada, we sought to analyze IVF outcomes among users and non-users in a single IVF center. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study from a single IVF center assessing IVF outcomes among male-female, non-donor IVF patients that are either cannabis users or non-users. We analyzed the ongoing pregnancy rate as well as oocyte yield, fertilization rate, peak serum estradiol, sperm, and embryo quality. We used the Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests where appropriate. Results Overall, the study included 722 patients of which 68 (9.4%) were cannabis users, most defined as light users. The results of the study show similar implantation rate (40.74% vs. 41.13%) and ongoing pregnancy rate (35.2% vs. 29.1%) between the users and non-users, respectively. No significant difference between users and non-users in any of the other analyzed outcomes could be detected. Conclusions The results may provide some reassurance for the lack of any demonstrable detrimental effects of cannabis consumption on IVF outcomes. This study was limited by its retrospective nature, self-reporting of cannabis use, and a small user sample size. A larger prospective study is needed to validate its findings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Kalhorpour ◽  
B Martin ◽  
O Kulski ◽  
J M Mayenga ◽  
I Grefenstette ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Objective was to assess whether adjusting starting day of intramuscular progesterone the day of vaginal supplementation versus day of embryo transfer or later, might affect the outcome of the cycle. Summary answer additional injection of intramuscular progesterone the day of progesterone initiation or later, is not likely to be more effective on live birth and miscarriage rates. What is known already There is no consensus on the most effective method of endometrium preparation prior to FET. However, many studies report that high serum progesterone concentration during the implantation period is associated with optimal live birth rates. Adjusting progesterone treatment the day of embryo transfer seems to be too late and ineffective for rescuing low progesterone levels and should be done before. Study design, size, duration In this single center prospective study from October 2019 to november 2020, 239 patients undergoing hormonal replacement therapy protocol for frozen embryo transfer were randomly divided into two groups: additional injection of intramuscular progesterone the day of progesterone initiation or intramuscular progesterone the day of embryo transfer. We compare these results to our previous protocol beginning intramuscular progesterone day 22 of the treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Our frozen embryo transfer protocol consists to initiate GnRH agonist the day 1 of the cycle. After 14 days of estrogens, we introduce vaginal progesterone, prior to embryo transfer. Patients in group A received an additional injection of intramuscular progesterone the day of progesterone initiation. The group B received intramuscular progesterone the day of embryo transfer. For both, intramuscular injection of progesterone was followed every 3 days. Main results and the role of chance 239 patients were enrolled in this study, 125 in the group A and 114 in the group B. The ongoing pregnancy rate in the group A was 26.4 % and miscarriage rate 7.2%, not statistically different from ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate of women in the group B (22.81 %, p = 0.66/ 6.14%, p = 0.8). The ongoing pregnancy rate in the group D22 was 24.89 % et miscarriage rate 7.2%, not statistically different from ongoing pregnancy rate of women in the group A and B (p = 0.78 and p = 0.31). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of our study is the lack of randomization for the group with additional progesterone IM on day 22. The study is actually followed to enroll more patients in 3 different groups. Wider implications of the findings This study tries to determine optimal adaptive management of hormonal replacement treatment for embryo transfer in patients with potential low progesterone values. Trial registration number no applicable


Author(s):  
Sathya Balasubramanyam

ABSTRACT Introduction Poor responders have suboptimal outcomes following conventional in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. There is some evidence that transdermal testosterone and growth hormone may help in improving live birth rates in this group. Aim To present a case series of women who had sequential transdermal testosterone and growth hormone treatment in view of their being expected poor responders or with a history of previous poor oocyte or embryo quality. Setting Private assisted reproduction clinic. Materials and methods A total of 24 women underwent 30 cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation. Ten patients out of 24 had previous poor assisted reproductive technology outcomes, of which 4 were poor responders. Fourteen were expected poor responders. The women used approximately 1.2 gm of transdermal testosterone from day 5 to 25 along with a standard oral contraceptive pill. Growth hormone was given at 8 units/day subcutaneously from day 2 along with the gonadotropins in the antagonist protocol. Results The mean age of the women was 34.92 years (±3.6). The average duration of subfertility was 7.54 (±4.005) years. The mean antral follicle count was 9 (±3.28) and the mean anti-Mullerian hormone level was 1.2 ng/mL (±0.56). The mean number of eggs collected was 8 (±5.45). Number of mature (M2) eggs was 6.6 (±4.5) Mean number of eggs fertilized was 5.04 (±4.03); clinical pregnancy rate was 8/24 (33.3%) and ongoing pregnancy rate was 4/24 (16.6%). Conclusion This case series shows an encouraging clinical pregnancy rate. The reduced ongoing pregnancy rate probably reflects the suboptimal gamete quality. Further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to assess the efficacy of sequential transdermal testosterone and growth hormone therapy in poor responders. Clinical significance The ongoing pregnancy rate in this group with poor prognosis seems encouraging, and further well-designed RCTs would help in assessing the merits of this sequential therapy. How to cite this article Balasubramanyam S. Sequential Use of Testosterone Gel and Growth Hormone in Expected Poor Responders and those with Previous Poor Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes: A Pilot Study. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(1):1-4.


2020 ◽  
pp. 155335062096533
Author(s):  
Esat Uygur ◽  
Mehmet A. Yayla ◽  
Yakup Yürektürk ◽  
Fuat Akpinar

Cerclage and tension band wiring are being used in most bone surgeries in different disciplines. The regularity of the twist on the node of a cerclage and tension band is thought to determine cerclage stability. For this purpose, a novel twisting and tightening tool was designed. This tool maintains extremely regular twists on the node, which we consider to be important for stability. In the present biomechanical trial, we aimed to investigate the consistency of the twists forming the cerclage node. This study was performed on a total of 30 cerclage loops. In group A (n = 15), the cerclage wire was tightened manually by a clipper, while in group B (n = 15), it was tightened using the twisting and tightening tool. In biomechanical tests, the cerclage loops were pulled apart by 2 hooks connected to the biomechanical device. The velocity was adjusted to 20 mm/min. On statistical analysis, there was a significant difference in the ultimate strength ( P = .03) and the mean tensile strength ( P = .01) between groups A and B. It was found that the strength of the cerclage wire can be increased by maintaining more regular twists. The twisting and tightening tool is a reasonable and useful device for both clinical and experimental usages.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 2910-2917
Author(s):  
Le Nhat Quang ◽  
Le Thi Bich Tram ◽  
Nguyen Huyen Minh Thuy ◽  
Pham Duong Toan ◽  
Dang Quang Vinh ◽  
...  

Background: Results from the latest meta-analysis, in fresh cycles, showed that the application of time-lapse monitoring (TLM) together with an embryo-evaluating algorithm was associated with a significantly higher rate of ongoing pregnancy and a lower rate of early pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of frozen embryos classified according to morphokinetic versus morphologic criteria. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted at IVFAS, An Sinh Hospital, Vietnam, from July 2014 to July 2017. Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with antagonist protocol and having freeze-only on day 5 were included. Exclusion criteria were patients (i) treated with in-vitro maturation, (ii) having obstructive azoospermia, or (iii) having uterine abnormalities. Embryos were cultured up to day 5 in TLM system (Primo Vision, Vitrolife, Sweden) or in benchtop (G185, K System, Denmark). The quality of frozen embryos was evaluated based on morphokinetic or morphologic criteria. In the subsequent cycle, endometrial preparation was done by using exogenous estradiol and progesterone. Embryos were thawed and up to 2 embryos were transferred to the uterus. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy. The rate of post-thaw survival, post-thawed good/moderate embryo, clinical pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy were used as secondary endpoints. Results: A total of 276 patients were recruited, with 138 patients in the morphokinetic group and 138 patients in the morphologic group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in ongoing pregnancy rate in morphokinetic versus morphologic group (57.2% vs. 60.1%, p=0.71). All secondary outcomes were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: In frozen day-5 embryo transfer, the clinical outcomes were similar when embryos were classified according to morphokinetic versus morphologic criteria for freezing. Using morphokinetic criteria to select embryos for freezing did not improve the ongoing pregnancy rate, as compared to morphologic criteria.  


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