P–354 Analysis of pregnancy and miscarriage rates in anti-centromere antibodies (ACA)-positive patients treated with ART

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Kida ◽  
M Tokoro ◽  
H Kitasaka ◽  
T Yoshimura ◽  
N Fukunaga ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Do ACA have an effect on pregnancy and miscarriage rates of human embryos? Summary answer The present results suggest that in ACA-positive cases, the pregnancy rate per transfer was significantly lower, although the miscarriage rate was not affected. What is known already We have previously shown that patients with high levels of anti-centromere antibody (ACA), (one of the anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA)), frequently have dispersal of the female chromosomes in the cytoplasm. Additionally, we reported that the clinical outcome was characterized by a low oocyte maturation rate following ovum pick up and high multiple pronuclear formation rate after fertilization. However, the post-implantation course of embryos with ACA-positive cases has not yet been reported. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the pregnancy and miscarriage rates in ACA-positive patients treated with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Study design, size, duration 6581 patients who underwent embryo transfer after antinuclear antibody testing between January 2014 and February 2020 were included in the analysis. Participants/materials, setting, methods The subjects were classified into three groups: ANA-negative (without ACA or any other ANA), ACA-positive (with only ACA) and ANA-positive (with ANA but not ACA). The cycle in which the gestational sac was confirmed was considered a positive pregnancy. The pregnancy and miscarriage rates were compared among the groups using “Ryan Test” for statistical analysis. Main results and the role of chance Of the 6581 eligible cases, the incidence of antinuclear antibody were 71.3% (4695/6581; ANA-negative), 0.9% (61/6581; ACA-positive) and 27.7% (1825/6581; ANA-positive). The pregnancy rates based on the total number of embryo transfer cycles for each were ANA-negative: 31.5% (5283/16792), ACA-positive: 17.6% (41/233), and ANA-positive: 32.4% (1891/5833). The pregnancy rates were significantly lower in the ACA-positive group than in the other groups. The miscarriage rate was 29.4% (1553/5283) in ANA-negative, 31.7% (13/41) in ACA-positive, and 28.0% (529/1891) in ANA-positive, with no significant difference between the three groups. Limitations, reasons for caution Retrospective analysis Wider implications of the findings: ACA-positive patients may benefit from a treatment strategy to increase the absolute number of oocytes by obtained in order to increase the chances of normal fertilization and attainment of implantation. Trial registration number none

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-274
Author(s):  
Gunai R. Asfarova ◽  
Veronika I. Smol'nikova ◽  
Natalia P. Makarova ◽  
Iuliia S. Drapkina ◽  
Anastasiia P. Sysoeva ◽  
...  

Cumulus cells are essential during oocytes growth and development, as well as during their maturation and fertilization. Research results have shown that embryo co-cultivation with autologous cumulus cells increases the frequency of blastocyst formation, and also improves the effectiveness of ART programs. Embryo transfer in such programs is recommended to be carried out using the CAT technology (Cumulus-Aided embryo Transfer), which includes embryo cultivation on a layer of cumulus cells and embryo transfer with a certain amount of diluted cumulus cells. Patient G., 38 years old, came to the department with infertility for 15 years and recurrent implantation failure in history. The patient had ART program with autologous co-cultivation of embryos with cumulus cells and a new CAT transfer technology. The patient fell pregnant and gave birth to a healthy child. Autologous cumulus cells can be a source of biologically active substances and improve embryological parameters and implantation rate in ART programs. Embryo co-cultivation with cumulus cells is especially important for patients with recurrent implantation failure. This technique can become an alternative for optimizing human embryos culturing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
O. Sebastián ◽  
F. Guerrero ◽  
R. Romero ◽  
F. Muñoz ◽  
A. Parlange ◽  
...  

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) continue to develop rapidly, allowing for the development of techniques to increase reproductive efficiency and contribute to the genetic improvement of cattle. Some of these techniques include in vitro production (IVP) of embryos and embryo transfer. These modern ART can help produce offspring with highly desirable characteristics. However, there is a lack of information on the percentage of pregnancies obtained following transfer (P/ET) of IVP embryos derived using semen of cloned Bos indicus bulls. The objective of this study was to compare embryo transfer results of IVP embryos created using frozen-thawed semen from 5 Brahman bulls (Bos indicus) with characteristics and genetics of high commercial value. The embryos were produced on two different dates, 45 days apart, using pooled oocytes harvested by ovum pickup from 15 Brahman cows at random stages of the oestrous cycle. Procedures for IVP were performed in a commercial laboratory (Genemex Internacional) in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. For IVF, conventional semen was used from 1 bull (B1) and his clone (B12), the grandson of B1 (B2), and from 2 nonrelated bulls (B3 and B4). A total of 100 embryos were transferred nonsurgically by a private practitioner on a ranch in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The recipients were commercial crossbred cows synchronized using a FTET program. On Day 0, recipients received an intravaginal device containing 1.9g of progesterone (CIDR) and 2mg of oestradiol benzoate IM. On Day 8, the CIDR was removed and cows received 25mg of dinoprost tromethamine, 200IU of eCG, and 0.5mg of oestradiol cypionate IM. Embryos were transferred on Day 17. The overall P/ET was 42% (42/100). The P/ET for IVP embryos produced with semen from bulls B1, B12, B2, B3, and B4 was 3/15 (20%), 3/8 (37%), 23/42 (55%), 8/20 (40%), and 5/15 (33%), respectively. The P/ET was numerically greater for embryos produced using semen from the cloned bull (37%; B12) compared to embryos produced using semen from the original noncloned bull (20%; B1), although this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.62, Fisher’s exact test). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for the P/ET obtained with embryos produced using semen from bulls B1 and B2, but results for the other bulls were not significantly different. As far as we know, this is the first scientific report in Mexico concerning the use and comparison of semen from cloned and noncloned bulls for the production and transfer of bovine IVP embryos. In general, a wide numerical range of P/ET using the different bulls was observed (i.e. 20-55%). In this preliminary study, there was no impact of using frozen-thawed semen from a cloned bull for IVP on P/ET. The results from this research can contribute to the study and development of ART to improve P/ET obtained using Zebu IVP embryos. However, further research with a larger numbers of animals is required to confirm whether using semen from cloned and noncloned Bos indicus bulls for IVP impacts pregnancy success following embryo transfer.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adhwaa Khudhari ◽  
Ali Mourad ◽  
Simon Phillips ◽  
Mohammad Zubair Alam ◽  
Robert Hemmings ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Obstetrical outcomes in assisted reproduction techniques (ART) were compared with naturally conceived pregnancies and among each other in multiple reports. However, many important changes in the practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) over the years, including single embryo transfers (sET) and the introduction of modified natural IVF (mnIVF), and the advances in the frozen embryo transfer (FET) might have impacted the outcomes. Our study is the first to our knowledge to assess four different groups, including spontaneous pregnancies, mnIVF, stimulated IVF (sIVF), and FET altogether in a head-to-head comparison. This is a retrospective study on perinatal outcomes of singleton babies conceived naturally or using three different ART protocols between 2011 and 2014. The primary objective was the comparison of gestational age and birth weight between spontaneously conceived pregnancies (NAT, n= 15,770), mnIVF (n=235), sIVF (n=389), and FET (n=222). Results Our results show a significant difference in favor of naturally conceived pregnancies over ART in term of gestational age. In fact, the gestational age of babies in the NAT group was statistically higher compared to each one of the ART groups alone. Regarding the birth weight, the mean was significantly higher in the FET group compared to the other categories. Conclusion Differences in perinatal outcomes are still found among babies born after different modes of conception. However, there is still need for well-designed high-quality trials assessing perinatal outcomes between naturally conceived pregnancies and different ART protocols based on different maternal and treatment characteristics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 818-827
Author(s):  
Leila Naserpoor ◽  
◽  
Katayoun Berjis ◽  
Rahil Jannatifar ◽  
◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Applying Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) is increasing. A critical step in ART is the frozen embryo transfer, in which the endometrium thickness has great significance in the outcome. In this case, the frozen embryo will be transferred during the next cycle. There are several ways to prepare an endometrium for transmitting embryos; however, choosing the best method remains debated. The present study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate of frozen embryo transfer in the presence or absence of GnRH agonists. Methods & Materials: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 146 consecutive patients attending Qom’s infertility treatment center from 2015 to 2017; these subjects were candidates for the transfer cycle of the frozen-thawed embryo and randomly assigned to receive either protocol with or without GnRH agonist. Clinical features, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (chemical & clinical), and abortion rate were assessed. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research of Mashhad University (Code: IR.ACECR.JDM.REC.1398.001). Results: There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (chemical & clinical), and abortion rate between the study groups of endometrial preparations with or without GnRH agonist (P<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, pregnancy outcome was similar in both study groups; thus, this method is recommended as an endometrial preparation without GnRH agonist.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Watanabe ◽  
M Tomida ◽  
S Suzuki ◽  
Y Matsuda ◽  
K Yoshikai ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question When does blastomere exclusion from compaction increase and what effect does it have on the embryo? Summary answer More blastomere were excluded from compaction in embryos with irregular cleavage, resulting in lower blastocyst development rates, but no decrease in pregnancy rates at transfer. What is known already It has been reported that many of the chromosome analysis results of blastomere excluded from compaction were aneuploid, and pointed out that this exclusion may be related to the repair of blastocyst euploidy, but the effect of the number of excluded blastomere has not been reported. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective study of 578 embryos that developed into morula with time-lapse monitoring by EmbryoScope (Vitrolife) in 2018–2019. Participants/materials, setting, methods The target embryos were classified into two groups: embryos with normal first and second cleavage (normal cleavage group) and embryos with irregular cleavage (dynamics of one cell dividing into three or more cells), called “direct cleavage”, at either cleavage (DC group), and the number of blastomere excluded from compaction during morula formation was recorded and compared. The blastocyst development rate and single blastocyst transfer pregnancy rates of the two groups were compared. Main results and the role of chance There are 286 in the normal cleavage group and 292 in the DC group. The mean number of excluded blastomere was 0.76 and 3.55, respectively, which was significantly higher in the DC group (P &lt; 0.01). Good blastocyst (Gardner classification 4 or higher) development rate was 84.5% (239/283) and 65.8% (181/275), respectively, and high grade blastocyst (Gardner classification BB or higher) development rate was 43.9% (105/239) and 14.9% (27/181) of them, both significantly higher in the normal cleavage group (P &lt; 0.01). The single blastocyst transfer pregnancy rates were 31.6% (25/79) and 32.4% (11/34), and the miscarriage rates were 24.0% (6/25) and 27.3% (3/11), respectively, neither was there a significant difference between the two groups. So, direct cleavage increased the number of blastomere excluded from compaction, decreased the rate of morula to good blastocyst development and reduced blastocyst grade, but did not affect blastocyst transfer pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Limitations, reasons for caution Please note that all target embryos must have developed into morula or larger (embryos that did not develop into morula will not be included in the study). Wider implications of the findings: Severe chromosomal aberrant blastomeres formed by direct cleavage were excluded from compaction, and the blastocyst development rate decreased due to a decrease in the amount of viable cells, but it is suggested that this blastomere exclusion mechanism is not related to euploidy after blastocyst development. Trial registration number Not applicable


2021 ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
Abuduwaili Ruziguli ◽  
Nikolai Nikolaevich Rukhliada ◽  
Anna Nikolaevna Taits ◽  
Tatyana Ivanovna Prohorovich ◽  
Tatyana Aleksandrovna Libova

This article is devoted to the assessment of the role of ALK5 in the profile of early reproductive losses in the use of assisted reproductive technologies, in particular, by using immunohistochemical study in the group of patients with early spontaneous abortion after the procedure of embryo transfer, a lower level of ALK5 expression in the decidual tissue was revealed (in comparison with control), which may be related to the occurrence of early reproductive losses caused by the imbalance in Th1 / Th2 and its effect on the increase in the concentration of natural killer cells.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bacal ◽  
D B Fell ◽  
H Shapiro ◽  
A Lanes ◽  
A E Sprague ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Are data accurately documented in the Canadian Assisted Reproductive Technologies Register (CARTR) Plus database? SUMMARY ANSWER Measures of validity were strong for the majority of variables evaluated while those with moderate agreement were FSH levels, oocyte origin and elective single embryo transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Health databases and registries are excellent sources of data. However, as these databases are typically not established for the primary purpose of performing research, they should be evaluated prior to utilization for research both to inform the study design and to determine the extent to which key study variables, such as patient characteristics or therapies provided, are accurately documented in the database. CARTR Plus is Canada’s national register for collecting extensive information on IVF and corresponding pregnancy outcomes, and it has yet to be validated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study evaluating the data translation CARTR Plus database examined IVF cycles performed in 2015 using data directly from patient charts. Six clinics across Canada were recruited to participate, using a purposive sampling strategy. Fixed random sampling was employed to select 146 patient cycles at each clinic, representing unique patients. Only a single treatment cycle record from a unique patient at each clinic was considered during chart selection. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Twenty-five data elements (patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes) were reabstracted from patient charts, which were declared the reference standard. Data were reabstracted by two independent auditors with relevant clinical knowledge after confirming inter-rater reliability. These data elements from the chart were then compared to those in CARTR Plus. To determine the validity of these variables, we calculated kappa coefficients, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value with 95% CI for categorical variables and calculated median differences and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for continuous variables. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Six clinics agreed to participate in this study representing five Canadian provinces. The mean age of patients was 35.5 years, which was similar between the two data sources, resulting in a near perfect level of agreement (ICC = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99, 0.99). The agreement for FSH was moderate, ICC = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.72). There was nearly perfect agreement for cycle type, kappa = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.00). Over 90% of the cycles in the reabstracted charts used autologous oocytes; however, data on oocyte source were missing for 13% of cycles in CARTR Plus, resulting in a moderate degree of agreement, kappa = 0.45 (95% CI, 0.37, 0.52). Embryo transfer and number of embryos transferred had nearly perfect agreement, with kappa coefficients greater than 0.90, whereas that for elective single or double embryo transfer was much lower (kappa = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.61). Agreement was nearly perfect for pregnancy type, and number of fetal sacs and fetal hearts on ultrasound, all with kappa coefficients greater than 0.90. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION CARTR Plus contains over 200 variables, of which only 25 were assessed in this study. This foundational validation work should be extended to other CARTR Plus database variables in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides the first assessment of the quality of the data translation process of the CARTR Plus database, and we found very high quality for the majority of the variables that were analyzed. We identified key data points that are either too often lacking or inconsistent with chart data, indicating that changes in the data entry process may be required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (Grant Number FDN-148438) and by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society Research Seed Grant (Grant Number: N/A). The authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.


KnE Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilma Putri Lubis

<p><strong>Introduction</strong><strong></strong></p><p>A trial or mock embryo transfer (ET) may influence pregnancy rates and it performed prior to ET allows the clinician to assess the uterine cavity and the utero-cervical angle. The aim of this study is to compare the consistency of the type of ET in mock ET with real ET.</p><p><strong>Material &amp; Methods</strong></p><p>A retrospective comparative analysis of  patients who underwent in vitro fertilization or ICSI cycle from January 2014 to December 2014 in Halim Fertility Center was done. The type of transfer was divided into two groups: ‘easy’ or ‘difficult’. An easy ET was defined as a transfer that occurred without the use of manipulation or other instrumentation and difficult ET was considered when additional instrumentation was required.</p><p><strong>Results</strong></p><p>From the study, 103 patients who underwent Mock-ET, we  found 58 patients (56.3%) with easy ET and 45 patients (43.7%) with difficult ET, which with hard catheter ET in 17 patients (16.5%), with osfander assistance in 20 patients (19.4%) and with stylet in 8 patients (7,8%). 58 patients with Easy Mock ET group were entirely easy real ET (100%) and 45 patients with difficult Mock ET group also entirely were difficult real ET (100%). The Statistical analysis shows no significant difference between the mock ET and real ET groups (p&gt;0,05). In easy real ET, clinical pregnancy rates were 32.8% and in difficult real ET, clinical pregnancy rates were 26.7% with no significant difference between the  groups (p&gt;0,05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p><p>Mock ET prior to the treatment cycle is consistent with real ET.</p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
A.O. Polumiskova ◽  
S.I. Tevkin ◽  
T.M. Jussubaliyeva ◽  
M.S. Shishimorova

In order to increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs, it is essential to improve and develop conditions of embryo culture prior its transfer or cryopreservation of expanded blastocysts on the day 5 or 6. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of human blastocysts’ expansion timing on clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR) and take-home baby rate (THBR) in frozen-thawed cycles during ART programs. The study involved 2275 frozen embryo transfers (FET) of blastocysts expanded on the day 5 (group A) and 170 FET of blastocysts expanded on the day 6 (group B). The pregnancy rates in both groups were 50.8% and 46.5% respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate 37.4% and 37.0%, miscarriage rate 26.0% and 21.5% in both groups, respectively. THBR, as the main indicator of efficiency in the programs with transfer of post thawed expanded blastocysts on the day 5 (group A) or 6 (group B) were 36.5% and 35.2%, respectively (the difference is insignificant). In conclusion, in cryoprotocols the day of blastocyst expansion (day 5 or 6 of development) does not statistically affect PR, MR and THBR. In FET programs the quality of blastocyst (excellent and good) should be prioritized regardless of the day of cryopreservation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Young ◽  
S Garci Argibay ◽  
L Isa ◽  
M P Zappacost. Villarroel ◽  
R Inza ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question What is the destination of supernumerary embryos after a positive pregnancy test? Summary answer Half of the surplus cryopreserved embryos in assisted reproduction treatments are not transferred. What is known already Many of the surpernumerary cryopreserved embryos in assisted reproductive technologies are not transferred. This is a constant issue in many fertility centers around the world. Our objective was to report what happens with vitried surplus embryos after IVF in patients with a positive pregnancy test, carrying out an analysis according to age and final evolution of the pregnancy. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective descriptive study. We analyzed 245 embryo transfer cycles, performed between January 2013 to December 2017, in 235 patients with a positive pregnancy test and who vitrified surplus embryos. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the patients underwent treatment with their own oocytes. The variables studied were: age, miscarriage rate (MR) and live birth rate (LBR). We compared the destination of the cryopreserved embryos according to the patient’s age and pregnancy evolution. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher’s exact test. Main results and the role of chance 20% of the IVF cycles (n = 49) were performed in women older than 40 years, 42% between 35 and 39 (n = 103) and 38% in women younger than 35 (n = 94). Average age was 35.8 ± 4.1 years. 859 embryos were cryopreserved (3.5 ± 1.9 cryopreserved embryos/patient). Average search time for surplus embryos was 20.5 ± 17.9 months, rising to 36.9 ± 14.9 months after delivery and decreasing to 8.7 ± 7.8 months after miscarriage (P &lt; 0.0001). Up to date there are 118 (48.2%) patients whose cryopreserved embryos have not been transferred yet. Signficant differences were found in the three groups in using the cryopreserved embryos according to whether or not they had delivery. Almost half of the surplus cryopreserved embryos are not transferred. Regardless of the age of the patient, all groups showed the same behavior regarding the utilization of the cryopreserved embryos after delivery. It is essential to advise couples who perform assisted reproductive technologies, with a good probability of success (regardless of the patient’s age), about the responsibility that embryonic cryopreservation entails. Argentine legislation has limitations regarding the availability of cryopreserved surplus embryos. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective study. Wider implications of the findings: We believe that Public Health policies related to this issue should be re evaluated based on these results. Trial registration number Not applicable


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